 ARTcnet Presents |
Carol Cole |
| sculptor | |
| return to sculpture
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| I am inspired by the works
of anonymous tribal artists and architects whose archetypal forms and symbols speak a
universal language, crossing barriers of time and culture. In my work, I aim for the same
universality by making multicultural references and seeing beauty in unexpected places. I
use what will become relics of the late twentieth century--found manufactured objects--
encrust them with paper pulp, and transform them into iconic abstract sculptures, which
comment on our culture. After years of working in clay -- a tactile, three dimensional, hands-on and hands-in medium, in 1990 I was introduced to the discipline of handmade paper. My immediate response to the possibilities of this new material jettisoned me into making sculpture. In addition to making flat, clean sheets of handmade paper, I could use paper pulp as though it were clay. In fact, it freed me of some of the constraints of clay. While still getting strong textures, I could work much larger, incorporate found objects, and be freer in my use of color. My work explores the synergy that comes from combining the traditional craft of handmade paper with the relatively new medium of found object assemblage. My use of paper to encrust and entomb transforms trash into elegant beauty, makes the new look ancient, the light appear heavy and the ordinary seem extraordinary. I especially enjoy commissioned work and approach it interactively: I incorporate the client's objects and desires. I did Children's Hospital pieces in collaboration with pediatric oncology patients ages 3 to 21 who made beautiful compositions using small toys and all-too-familiar hospital supplies. Ten of these panels now grace the hospital hallways - they confirm my belief in the transformation of everyday objects into powerful art. I have also worked with golfers, doctors, computer programmers and hobbyists, using
their objects (whether it was golf clubs and tees, old stethoscopes, or computer disks,
etc.) to create wall-hangings and free-standing sculpture. If you are interested in a
commissioned artwork, please contact Click on pictures for enlargements and details. |
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Mixed Media Sculpture |
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