A small, handmade ceramic figurine resembling a dog with a rounded body, textured surface, four short legs, and a tail that stands upright. The figurine has two holes on its front, possibly representing eyes or decorative features.

Specters of Society: An Exploration of Human Devolution

Artist Statement

In this body of work, I explore the devolution of the human spirit through the symbolic forms of ghosts, bunny rabbits, and pigs. Ghosts, with their duality of playfulness and intimidation, serve as metaphors for various human personas, reflecting the impact of external forces on our spirit. The innocent ghosts, characterized by expressive features, contrast with the devolved ghosts, whose simplified forms signify the corruption of purity.

Bunny rabbits represent innocence in its many forms—some full-bodied, others flattened to symbolize crushed purity. These figures act as observers of the human condition, embodying the potential to preserve innocence amidst societal chaos. Meanwhile, pigs, abstractly depicted with three legs and large eyes, represent the unseen forces that feed on the degradation of the human spirit, akin to scavengers in a decaying world.

Through these sculptures, I aim to provoke reflection on how our decisions, relationships, and associations with influential forces shape our collective psyche. This work challenges viewers to consider the ghosts within their own lives and the external influences that drive their actions, urging a contemplation of our shared humanity and the specters we encounter.

  • Close-up of a small, cone-shaped object made of a light, matte material with a vertical slit opening in the center, placed on a flat surface with a plain background.
  • A close-up black and white photo of a small, abstract ceramic sculpture with a textured surface, standing on three small legs, against a plain background.
  • A grayscale close-up photograph of a handmade ceramic figurine resembling a bunny with long ears and small holes for eyes, set against a plain light background.
  • Black and white close-up photo of two egg-shaped objects with holes at the bottom, positioned on a flat surface.
  • A black-and-white photograph of a small, sculpted figurine resembling a rocket or missile with three vertical grooves at the bottom. The figurine's surface appears textured with small details, and it is placed on a flat surface with a gradient background.
  • A close-up black and white photograph of a clay sculpture of a face with a hollow mouth, textured surface, and details around the mouth area.
  • Close-up of a terracotta pig-shaped figurine with a hole in its mouth, textured surface, cast in gray and black tones.
  • Close-up black-and-white photo of a skull-shaped object, viewed from the front, with a dark circular opening resembling a nose or mouth.
  • A small toy pig made of clay, painted in a light color with visible cracks, standing on a flat surface with a plain white background.
  • A close-up black-and-white photo of a ceramic figurine resembling a bird with an open beak, seen from below against a plain background.
  • Close-up of a small, carved sculpture of a face with an elongated neck, made of clay or similar material, in black and white.
  • Close-up of a gray, skull-shaped ceramic object with hollow eye sockets and a rounded top, placed on a reflective surface against a plain background.
  • Close-up of a small handmade ceramic sculpture resembling a whale with a hollow center, on a surface with other similar unpainted ceramic pieces in the background.
  • Close-up of a simple, unpainted clay figurine resembling a ghost with two circular holes for eyes, placed on a flat surface with a plain white background.
  • Close-up black and white photo of a ceramic sculpture resembling a whale with large open mouth, three small holes, and textured surface on a plain background.
  • A small, abstract, handmade sculpture of an animal, resembling a pig, made of clay, with a minimalist design and a rough texture, standing on a flat surface against a plain background.
  • Close-up of two small artistic sculptures, with one resembling a skull and the other resembling a rounded figure, both made of a rough, matte material, against a plain background.
  • Close-up black-and-white photo of a carved, oval-shaped object with a hollowed-out center, sitting on a black surface.

Portfolio

Date: 2023 - Present
Currently, larger works are being explored for consignment in lightweight resin for public display.

A black and white photograph of a small clay sculpture or figurine resembling a fish with a large open mouth, standing on a flat surface.
A small, hand-crafted sculpture of a pig, made from a textured material, standing on a flat surface with a plain background.
A black and white photograph of a small, rounded sculpture with two small holes on its front. The sculpture appears to be made of a textured material and is placed on a surface with a plain background.
Close-up of a carved stone tiki figure with a simplistic face, including a large, open mouth and outlined eyes, against a plain background.
Close-up of a small, carved animal sculpture with a hollow opening on one side, made of a rough, textured material, against a plain, light background.
Close-up black and white photo of three eggs in a row, with the foreground egg in sharp focus and the background eggs blurred.
A black and white sculpture resembling a rooster with a rounded body, two small holes near the center, and a flat base, featuring a long neck and a head with a beak and comb, set against a plain background.
A black and white photograph of a piece of clay or ceramic sculpture resembling a bird or animal figure with a large open mouth and a textured surface, placed on a flat surface against a plain background.
A black and white close-up photograph of a small, handmade clay figurine with a carved mouth and a hollow face, sitting on a smooth surface with a plain background.
A close-up black and white photograph of a small, smooth, elongated stone sculpture with three vertical carved lines near the bottom, resembling a simplified face or abstract figure, placed on a flat surface against a neutral background.
A small figurine of a pig, made of a stone-like material, standing on four legs with its snout raised upward, set against a plain background.
Close-up of a small, light-colored ceramic skull with hollow eye sockets, placed on a flat surface against a plain background.
Black and white photo of a skull-shaped object with a round hole at the top, positioned on a flat surface.
A grayscale close-up image of a ceramic or clay sculpture of a face with a serene expression, closed eyes, and a large, rounded head with textured surfaces.
Black-and-white photo of two ceramic skull sculptures, one with an open mouth and the other with a smooth surface, against a plain background.
A black and white sketch of two animals with large round eyes, short ears, and small legs. One is sitting on the ground, and the other is lying down. There is handwritten text beneath the drawings that reads 'where did they go?', along with some other words and doodles.
A close-up view of a white, rounded sculpture with a hollow entrance, placed on a riverbank with flowing water.
A white ceramic sculpture resembling a whale or fish with a hollow cavity and small circular hole at the bottom, displayed on a black surface.
A man with a beard holding a carved sculpture of a face, with trees blurred in the background.
Sketches of melting objects, including an ice cream or gelato, with handwritten notes and questions about why they are melting, on dotted paper. The drawings depict melting ice cream or ice pops, with some handwritten text such as "Melts", "Why are you dying?", and "White".
A man with gray hair and beard holding a large wooden painting of three elongated, grayish objects with black dots on a background with shades of green and yellow, outdoors with trees in the background.
A man with gray hair on the sides, a gray beard, wearing a denim shirt, gray jeans, and black sneakers, is standing outdoors holding a painting that features a gray tombstone against a dark background with the moon shining behind it. The background has green foliage and plants.
A man with gray hair and a gray beard holding a painting in front of his face, standing outdoors on a brick path with greenery in the background.

This body of work explores the devolution of the human spirit and the intricate dance between innocence and corruption.

A black and white photo of a sculpture resembling a small, rounded house with a narrow, rectangular doorway, placed on a black metal table.

Thesis

Introduction

This thesis explores the devolution of the human spirit as influenced by external forces, represented through the symbolic forms of ghosts, bunny rabbits, and pigs. Each figure in this body of work serves as a metaphor for various aspects of our collective experience, highlighting the tension between innocence, corruption, and the pervasive influences that shape our lives.

Conceptual Framework

At the core of this series is the ghost, an iconic figure that embodies a spectrum of personas from playful and innocent to intimidating and corrupt. This duality allows the ghost to serve as a versatile symbol for various human conditions. By differentiating between innocent ghosts, characterized by larger, expressive features, and devolved ghosts with narrowed simplified forms, I explore the impact of external forces on the human spirit.

Bunny rabbits in my work symbolize innocence. They manifest in different forms—some fully bodied, representing preserved purity, and others flattened, symbolizing innocence crushed. These bunnies act as observers, akin to an all-seeing eye or divine presence, witnessing the interactions and transformations within the human condition. Their presence highlights humanity’s capacity to maintain innocence despite external pressures.

Pigs, depicted abstractly with three legs and disproportionately large eyes, act as scavengers in this narrative. They represent the pervasive, unseen forces that thrive on the degradation of innocence and spirit, similar to insects feeding on detritus. These figures underscore the insidious nature of corruption and the impact of societal decay on the human psyche.

Artistic Techniques

My training in Italy has greatly influenced my approach to form and technique. Utilizing a combination of traditional sculptural methods and contemporary practices, I create pieces that are both visually striking and deeply symbolic. The materials chosen for each figure—whether clay, metal, or mixed media—are selected to enhance their symbolic resonance and emotional impact.

The ghosts are crafted to highlight their ethereal and transient nature, often using translucent materials that play with light and shadow. Bunny rabbits, in their varying forms, are sculpted with a focus on texture and detail to evoke a tactile sense of innocence and vulnerability. The pigs, with their abstract form, are designed to provoke discomfort and reflection, encouraging viewers to contemplate the unseen forces at play in their own lives.

Broader Implications

This body of work challenges viewers to reflect on the pervasive influence of societal interactions and decisions on the human spirit. By using familiar yet symbolically rich figures, I aim to create a dialogue about the complexities of innocence, corruption, and the external forces that shape our existence. The interplay between these figures offers a lens through which to examine our own roles and responsibilities within society.

Ultimately, this series invites contemplation on the fragile nature of innocence and the powerful impact of external influences. It is a call to recognize the ghosts within our own lives and to question the forces that drive our actions and shape our spirits.

Conclusion

Through the sculptural forms of ghosts, bunny rabbits, and pigs, this body of work explores the devolution of the human spirit and the intricate dance between innocence and corruption. By inviting viewers to engage with these symbolic figures, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the societal influences that shape our collective and individual identities. This thesis aims to illuminate the silent dialogue between form and emotion, urging a reflection on the specters that inhabit our world and our own selves.

FAQs

Are works available for purchase?

Yes, all of the above pieces are available for commission upon request. Finish materials are also available spanning the gamut of wood, marble, resin, and bronze. Prices may vary and finishes, shipping location, and installation may affect the price.

Please contact us for more information or questions.

Explain the larger pieces.

The artist is currently exploring the creation of public display pieces in varying materials. The above body of work was produced in oil-based clay for bronze.

Is photography available for print?

Yes, photographs can be printed in varying sizes on canvas, paper, and other materials.
Please contact us for more information or if you have questions.

Who is the photographer?

The photographer is Syrill Sanchez. Her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/syrillphotography

Her work can be commissioned: syrillevers@yahoo.com

What about color?

The artist is currently exploring these pieces and varying degrees of color based on the form's personality. Stay tuned!

Please contact us for more information or if you have questions.

What type of stone is available?

Commissioning pieces and stones can be approached from a budgetary perspective. The artist was trained in Italy. Italian white Carrera marble is a preferred medium of choice due to its hardness and ability to withstand the elements in the test of time. Softer American white marble is also available. However, Italian is preferred.

Please contact us for more information or questions.

Thesis

The artist's thesis is considered an organic draft. The artist is making refinements and plans to continue to explore the metaphor and the use of the characters above as a deeper exploration into an expression of personality and color. Please stay tuned.

Is this work available for show?

Yes. However, the majority of the pieces are considered “maquettes” or smaller form-based experiments with the intention of creating larger pieces from them over time. Therefore larger pieces are currently being explored. That being said smaller pieces can certainly be exhibited and supported by photography.

Are other pieces planned?

Yes, in fact the artist is planning a series of screen prints and paintings to further support this exploration. A few new larger pieces are in the works for bronze casting and other smaller pieces in colored cast resin.

Stay tuned!