I find the imagery available in non-objective art limitless and sometimes overwhelming. Consequently early on I made the decision to set parameters within which to work. I decided to look for sophisticated aesthetics in simple forms and concepts. The early sculptures were all made using the same basic shape, the first shape my hands made patting around a wad of clay. It was roughly a pear shape and I made a number of pieces with it: bubblegum machines, refrigerators, bible scenes and ecological statements. There was non-objective work as well but most of the pieces had some frame of reference. Nevertheless I decided to call it non-objective folk art and worked to define it and operate within its parameters.

Eventually the forms started morphing to a more simple geometry. I also broadened the scope of materials used: cast resin, carved wood, forged and fabricated metals, and cast metals. However forged and fabricated bronze captured my attention most. Working directly with sheet metal to create multi-dimensional forms brings a raw honesty to the sculpture, and bronze that is well worked adds a richness rarely attained with other materials.

The work has also morphed conceptually. I’m still holding on to non-objective folk art thinking but use it as direction rather than definition. Instead of relying on a frame of reference I now look for depth of character in the work to provide conceptual value. I seek to communicate sophisticated aesthetics with a simple visual language that is honest and well worked.