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Swooping II by Doug Makemson Steel, stainless steel: Truck, bush hog parts and lawnmower blades 12' x 9' x 6' |
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Location:
250 Bypass at St. Charles Value: $8,000 |
Artist Statement The work is usually representational, made from scrap steel, stainless steel, copper, cast iron, chrome steel, with the occasional aluminum and brass. Principal forming methods include electric welding, hydraulic shearing, oxy-acetylene cutting, welding and brazing, hammering and grinding. The raw material is obtained from businesses, scrap yards, and farming activities. The use of thick and non-corrosive material ensures that the sculptures will last when exposed to the elements. While using metal as a raw material, the challenge is to create sculptures that seem alive. One way this is achieved is through implied motion. A cocked head, open mouth, asymmetrical stance-all work to forge the personality of the finished animal or figure. The character of the raw material is retained in the finished work, so that from a distance one sees the form of a creature in the landscape, but as one gets closer the parts become recognizable as more or less familiar objects from our industrial culture. This seems to stimulate
the viewer's sense of wonder and imagination. The work has been
very popular when installed in public places; children especially
are captivated by the large beasts. If there is a message in my
work, it is that there is value in much that our culture deems worthless,
if we will look for it. I hope my work will make you smile. Doug Makemson |
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