The human figure or any animal figure sits uneasily in contemporary and modern art. It is the common enemy of both camps. The figuratively inclined artist finds themselves alienated by both camps for being out of step. Should an artist find themselves inclined to making modern, contemporary and figurative art, that compounds the problem.
First Coming 2003 (detail)
Without going into the historical detail, most readers will know the alignment of different philosophical positions in time. The linear legacy in which we grew up, is hard to shake. As time passes however, we proceed not from the understanding that history has provided, but from finding ourselves free to explore all of the above. The notion of ‘progress’ was always a ruse. That was the lesson.
First Coming 2003 (detail)
And so the figure seasons come and go, according to how urgently they impress themselves into the picture. In my case those moments come when I can no longer resist the pleasure of working with the figure or cannot resist the fee from the commission. Generally though, the forms are not charged unless I am fresh with them again, after a break, a decade, or in the hands of another, further down the track.
First Coming 2003 (detail)
First Coming is a rescue sculpture. As a rule rescue animals can have psychological problems. First Coming was retrieved from Byron Bay Resort after fourteen years stationed at the entry to the resort. They wanted to update the decor. The sculpture is very much at home here. Far from being damaged, it speaks to the landscape and the landscape responds.