My ceramic pieces, although similar in their abstract non-representational forms, actually fall into two different categories. Much of the work is conventional in scale, requiring no stretch of the imagination to grasp their “real” size. However, many of the pieces are models of monumental sculpture which call upon the viewer’s ability to imagine walking through and around the complex shapes.
These pieces are intended to capture the aesthetic impact of grand architectural spaces, but without the restraints imposed by practical functional requirements. Models of human figures placed within them suggest the immense scale of the spaces that are envisioned. The figures are sized to the scale of each edifice.
Most of the sculptures were first conceived in drawings – some in rudimentary sketches, others carefully detailed and shaded to suggest three dimensions. In all of the pieces, voids – defined by solid elements – are conceived as negative forms essential to the total concept.
I prefer to work with low-fire clay because its even texture lends itself to fine detail and smooth surface treatment. Glazes are not used because their accidental color effects detract from the three-dimensional form of a piece. Finishes are limited to either clear or opaque acrylics.
All pieces are ceramic, finished with acrylic.
The pieces “Any Way” (#15), “Jester” (#7), and “Something” (#17) have been designed to have three points of support in more than one position, each position offering a seemingly different sculpture.
“Suhrra is six stacked sections, and is 6′ 3″tall.
~ Irwin Luckman (Sept 2012)
