A rusted metal part on the construction site or piles of cardboard boxes taking shape on a street corner. I am fascinated by these moments in life that catch my attention. Objects are most intriguing when I don't know their functionality. I can focus on their form and get inspired by the ones that align with my mind. I take pictures of these moments and employ them as inspiration.
I start by simplifying an object from a photo. I enjoy forms that are obvious and easy to understand. Based on the simplified shape, I sketch out a variety of options to play with. What I am looking for is a form that captures my state of mind and speaks to my experience. A "perfect shape" is selected after a few days, sometimes weeks of sketching and meditating. The original object captured by the photo is no longer relevant at this point.
Clay feels most natural to me. I enjoy the sensation of clay on my hands — it is therapeutic. The challenge in the course of fabricating clay is a daily convention. Because clay hardens with the change of the moisture in the air and cracks with gravity, it is difficult to hand-build a structure that is geometric and clean. But I enjoy the challenge. The special quality of clay teaches me to embrace its beauty and accept the unexpected. Geometric clay sculptures, to me, embody the ideal balance between precision and nature.