
Larry Fees
Tool Box II
15 x 8 x 8"
Clay
$325
A piece intended to fool the eye and draw it in at the same time. An old wooden tool box with an aged cooper metal band (cold finish) and rope strap all made of clay. I used clay washes and stains to create these effects.
Artist's Statement:
As an art student in high school during the 1970s I sculpted several clay busts and abstract pieces. After graduating I didn't touch clay again until my son showed an interest in being an artist 25 years later. At the time I enrolled with him in a few sculpture and drawing classes and enjoyed it immensely. Life and my career again proceeded to direct me away from art until my retirement in 2015.
My work has an organic appearance that evokes a wore and contrasting appearance. I often used cold finished metallic paints against an aged wood or basket texture to place soft and hard in direct contrast. Bending pieces in a somewhat unnatural position can draw the curious eye to closer examination. I constantly strive to develop new and unusual textures atypical of clay. While hand building my work I invite subtle mistakes and miscalculations to force redesigns that please my eye. When a person views my work I strive to present an energy and movement to each piece that is definitive of my unique style and form.