I work in a variety of media from wood to stone, clay to encaustic paint. The process of discovery and creating a cohesive structure are starting points that allow me to explore a more specific subject. The landscape has also become for me a way to work on a much larger scale but with an ever changing medium and palette. In a work like 'Core Samples' the act of tracing objects laying around the studio became a way to archive my influences but in a more inclusive way. In that way the viewer makes connections to color, image and form in their own way. The paint is encaustic which comes from a Greek word meaning 'to burn in'. The thick impasto or paint layering creates depth and an active surface which can be worked and reworked as needed but has good structural stability. The image is continuously evolving giving reference to processes beyond the work itself. Stone has weight both actual and visual, in the piece 'Pod' the elements are made from cast concrete and limestone which has been chiseled and drilled through. It is a way of drawing into the sculpture and also destroying the form, similar to organic processes of insects as they bore through wood and earth. The name 'Pod' evokes association with seed capsules or pods, also a vessel of sorts. Using stone, a technically permanent material, this process gives it a more fragile aspect.
Cedar aside from the aromatic properties, is very workable and was a good choice for the darter sculptures. The Darter is a small freshwater fish that is adapted to unique habitats in many parts of the north american continent. Several species residing in Alabama are particularly vulnerable to changes in their habitat and thus can be indicators of water quality. This vulnerability puts them in danger of extinction so the sculptures are about making these small creatures more visible and educating folks about the importance of our bio-diversity. The Watercress darter or Etheostoma Nuchale is found in Jefferson county and no place else in the world. Its technicolor coat gives it the appearance of a tropical fish. See links page for more info and links related to the watercress darter.
If you have any questions about the artwork or are interested in purchasing a piece please get in touch with me by email. arnie@stoneshovel.com
The Darter sculptures are a collaborative effort with my wife, Gabriela, she is the painter of these sculptures. see her other works at www.gabrielapomplova.com
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