Recent Work Need Critique

[dayleebob]

New to forum. First time & going to try to post image. I'm in need of critique of new works. Any input appreciated. Sculptures are life size, cast plaster, beaten and burnt, melted wax, hung with old barbed wires, no paint.

[oddist]

These are quite interesting.

I'm sure you are trying to say something of your own but they do instill personal meaning to me. First I had hoped for names but then found that without them I became more deeply involved. I'm sure they are much more powerful in reality.

Are there more of these? Do you plan a series?

[JAZ]

They speak of torture - literal or symbolic. The act of suspension amplifies the message. Intriguing that the first one has a hole right through it. You have an interesting process there.
JAZ

[dayleebob]

Here is part of my artist statement to understand where it all comes from. I have several pieces, all different body parts. Some full-size that lie curled up on the ground, some pieces connected to chairs with barbed wire. Hope this helps!

Artist Statement
The song “I Hope You Dance” is an inspiring factor in my work. Working through my own bouts of depression, grief, trauma and stressful events I found hope again through determination, hard work, friends and art. By talking and sharing with others my experiences of depression and grief, I have had many people approach me and express their feelings of despair and fear. Some asking where they can go for help to get better. Through my experiences I have gained many close friends and an excellent support system. If I would have covered it all up and appeared normal through it all, would I be as strong as I am today? Would I be here today, would I have hope today? My art is my therapy and my way of expressing to others that they too can go through challenging events, and still have hope.

The goal of my art is to create a dialog among the viewers and to encourage them to talk about their personal losses, their illnesses, anger, family issues and stressors. Do you cover up your feelings to appear normal or do you face the feelings and uncover them? What is normal? Do you cover up a subject to cover it or should you uncover it and reveal it to others?

What does it take to hope? Can you have hope without faith, humility and wonder? Can you reveal your hope?

[fritchie]

Oddly enough, I did not see anguish in these works at all, but the great formal strength that is present. I’m assuming that the second image is the reverse of the first, and I see the front as far stronger. I don’t think a pattern of any sort is needed on the reverse, though one doesn’t hurt. I think my choice of a reverse would be either something simpler, or perhaps something more intelligible as a narrative - perhaps simply on the order of early Native American paintings on buffalo hides.

The work is very strong formally, thanks largely to its minimalist construction. Simple wooden frame, minimal portion of the figure, and a very effective use of wire as support. Congratulations on two fine pieces! Show us more if possible.

(Looking again at the reverse, I see what may be the head of a bear or a wolf on the right side. Perhaps I just didn’t look closely enough the first time. These sketches might be the narrative I wanted.)

[dayleebob]

The back side (second photo) has melted wax with burnt fabric inside (black). This was the first piece I did anything planned to the "other side", usually I leave them soft and subltly burnt with no hash marks or wires, where you can still see the white, pure plaster indicating the hope inside of the person.

[oddist]

The back side (second photo) has melted wax with burnt fabric inside (black). This was the first piece I did anything planned to the "other side", usually I leave them soft and subltly burnt with no hash marks or wires, where you can still see the white, pure plaster indicating the hope inside of the person.

I believe "metaphors" have been lost in much of todays art....Bravo for the effort..

[ironman]

Hi, Powerful, emotional work! I like your presentation too, hanging from wire in that wooden framework.
Have a great day,
Jeff