SCULPTURES
I became interested in creating sculptural works in the mid-1970s and continued making them until the early 1990s. These works are constructed mostly of found objects, carved wood, and then finished with a layer of paint.
Initially inspired by the 18th and 19th century altars and reredos in the churches I visited in the mountains of New Mexico, these works transformed into visual metaphors relating to folk colloquialisms. The puppet-like figures offered the possibility of changing the scenario. Instead of altars, these pieces came to be called “alters.” This was an attempt to reference that term’s meaning of possessing the ability to change or transform.
Shrine to a Time of Fallen Heroes (front) 1989, Mixed Media
Shrine to a Time of Fallen Heroes (back) 1989, Mixed Media
And the Eyes of Both of Them Were Opened, 2019, Mixed Media
Shrine to the End of Time, 1980, Mixed Media
Suffer the Children, 2019, Mixed Media
Hope Amidst Despair 1985, Painted Carved Wood
Retribution Box (Detail), 1979, 78"x20"x15", Mixed Media
Images from the 45 year retrospective show in Bloomington, Illinois in 2015