Gary Carlson

My sculptures begin by combing through my collection of discarded and broken debris of defunct technologies and faded cultural artifacts. I look for objects that share a similar essence, color, line, and shape. My intent is to unify these parts and make them play well together aesthetically in a sculpture.
 

My process has been assemblage of parts and pieces of found objects along with mixed media in my compositions to a permanent, well crafted, finished sculpture. Techniques used to assemble vary on the materials being used. Sculptures sometimes require woodworking joinery using pegs, glue and nails or screws. Some sculptures require sheet metal or jewelry making techniques using rivets or soldering.

As a sculpture develops, the collective components create a story. It’s an enjoyable, intuitive, and reactive process that can turn out to be a humorous observation, social statement, pure design or metaphor. Sometimes I start with questions we deal with in our culture, such as politics or beliefs. I never know exactly where it will take me or the viewer. In my nonobjective, abstract compositions I use found objects to entice the viewer into an interaction with the artwork. These recognizable found objects bring with them sentiment and memories, an emotional connection, to communicate something beyond their former utility.
 

I like to work primarily in a non-objective manner; not representing a person or thing. I want to create a sense of mystery that invites any viewer to interpret the sculpture through their own life experiences. I’ve always enjoyed the energy and movement in Franz Kline’s abstract expressionistic paintings, and I try to capture a similar asymmetric energy in my sculpture. Robert Rauschenberg’s “combine” paintings that used objects in or on the canvas have been an inspiration for me as well.