Assemblage Sculpture: Art Explorations

Assemblage Sculpture: Art Explorations is my new direction for pushing the boundaries of my creative discovery. After a lifetime of being an acrylic painter, I have, in the past year, started on an experimental journey making 3D sculpture. This interactive sculpture (below) is comprised of several experimental elements. Completely new to woodworking, I handcrafted the lazy susan. I then experimented with a variety of stains and staining techniques to create a finish for this turntable. Turntable hardware was then affixed to the bottom of the lazy susan to make the piece spin. Inexperienced with textile medium, I dipped cheese cloth and other fabrics in this medium and wrapped the cloths around an inflated balloon. Once the medium dried, I popped the balloon and sprayed it with iridescent, transparent layers of color. I also coated the orbs with Glass Bead Gel and iridescent embossing powders. Finally, I successfully experimented with ways to add light within the orb, so that this piece would glow. Using light in my 3D work was brand new for me. As well, making these orbs was also new and required much experimentation to get the desired effects. My first attempt collapsed, and it took much trial and error to make sure the orbs were not too delicate. More experimentation with textile medium was necessary to make the fairies that surround the orbs. These fairies also required much sculpting, manipulating, and faux bronzing: all artistic processes that are experimental for me. The biggest experimental challenge was getting all the elements to work together. I added embellishments and played with possible compositions to create a satisfying, interactive final sculpture. I am mindful about the ways Assemblage Sculpture: Art Explorations brought this piece titled “I See Life” to life.

I had a few visitors to my studio. Je Vois La Vie (I See Life) drew these viewers to arrange all the experimental elements. The “life” came alive for my them as they created and recreated 3D compositions using their own artistic vision and the experimental elements. A theme connecting my 3D works emerged: interactive art. People want to play with my work! Experimentation with Assemblage Sculpture: Art Explorations drew me in this unexpected direction. I hope my 3D explorations and experimentations are encouragements to others who want to push the boundaries of their creative practice. If you were to step outside the box and try something new, what new surprises might emerge for you? How can experimental art broaden your creative process and make you more mindful of your artistic practice?

Click Here to See Genesis 1-4 and “I See LIfe” on Exhibition

Click Here to See “I See Life” (Genesis 1) on Exhibition

Click Here to See Genesis 1-4 as Part of the ECVA Exhibit Titled “The Power in Creating a Series of Artworks”

Click Here to Read About Genesis 1-4 in the Episcopal Journal

Watch Genesis 1 (I See Life) on YouTube:

Click Here to Visit Mindfulness Paintings and Learn More About Mindful Art Making

This sculpture has many experimental elements. I handcrafted the lazy susan. I then experimented with a variety of stains and staining techniques to create a finish for this turntable. Through Interactive Sculpture: Recreating Memories I faced the new challenge of making the orb iridescent using Glass Bead Gel and iridescent powders. Finally, “Assemblage Sculpture: Art Explorations” challenged me to successfully experiment with ways to add light within the orb, so that this piece would glow.