Joann Dandurand

Artist Statement: The creation of forms catches my interest and attention, how they curve and fill out, how they relate to each other. The contrast of a curve against another, the volume and dimensionality confirmed, and the details that emerge as I form the piece delight me. There seems to me to be a conversation with the piece as I am working, suggesting the energy and direction I should move toward. Clay is the easiest to work with but also more fragile during the forming process until it is fired. Color is used very carefully so as not to diminish the form. Stone forms offer more surprises in their creation, and I am greatly inspired by someone like Barbara Hepworth. with her elegant forms created in the early 20th century. Working with found objects is truly an exercise in seeing the relationships of various forms; Louise Nevelson is an inspiration here. I hope to also explore welding and metal sculptures. I have also begun exploring the process of oni-glazing, which used 8-10 glaze layers on a piece and yields an incredible mix of colors that surprise and delight. I am so lucky to have found this mode of expression and exploration!

Artist's Bio: Sculpting is my second career. I have always been interested in artmaking, and finally got the chance to take some classes and really explore the artistic concepts 15 years ago, and even more so after I retired. I am fascinated by how much I continue to learn daily about working with clay and stone, making a form that pleases me and the piece itself.

Medium: Sculpture in clay, stone and found objects/mixed media. Cups with oni-glazing style

Location for Hills Art & More: TBD