modern sculpture - defined by auguste rodin!

so, i went to a library sale last month, and i am still digging through the pile of cool art, architecture and scifi books i picked up. i blogged earlier about some of the architecture, and now i am reading though book "Modern Sculpture" by Jean Selz, published in 1963 by George Braziller. i am motivated most recently toward sculptures with my slobots, and i am thoroughly inspired by the idea of abstract and modern scuplture. so, far this is a really engaging book tracing the movement into modern sculpture. i just read a chapter about the changes that Rodin brought into the art world. he was accused by some critics of his time of not being able to "finish a sculpture". in response, Rodin wrote these words: "I am reproached for not finishing my sculptures and for presenting the public with sketches. The essential modeling is done, I consider it unnecessary to linger over the polishing of toes and curls; those details do not interest me." i am fascinated by this quote. While he was clearly capable of making the most realistic of sculptures, Rodin was one of the first sculptors to move past the idea of realism as the only acceptable means of producing art, and reached into the notion that art can be based on feeling and movement alone. Just think, without Rodin, there would be no "thinker" (pun intended), but also he is a bridge into modern sculpture, including my ability to sculpt slobots... this book is a great read, and here's some more Rodin imagery, including "the Thinker"...

slobot robotic philosophers?

Hey All! Just wanted to let everyone know that I have a show opening tonight (june 12, 2009) in Wilmington, NC at the Local Gallery at Fast Frame of Wilmington (http://fastframeofwilmington.com). The opening is from 5p-7:30pm and the show runs for a month. I have about a dozen slobots in the show, including these brand new slobot Philosophers. They are 100% slobot, found objects, etc and each stands about 20” tall. They form a Triptych, and their story goes like this: “Three Philosophers standing in a room, waxing philosophical on ethics, aesthetics, and various other thought provoking topics. These three philosophers love to discuss the ins and outs of the most complex and innane subjects equally. While lacking vocal instruments, they still manage to share their ideas both grand and verbose, by communicating telepathically with each other and everyone else as well. If you find yourself suddenly full of more thoughts than you can keep track of, there is probably a slobot Philosopher in the room." Contrary to popular belief, not all robots are bent on global domination, the slobots are friendly and just want to help.