Mathew
Cummings
ARTIST
STATEMENT
In my work, I am attempting to capture the essence of human movement (gesture)
through minimal, abstract forms. While always interested in the human
figure, I was inspired by a summer trip to Italy where I studied and sketched
sculptures of the High Renaissance and Baroque period. I was particularly
moved by the sculptures of Giambologna and Bernini. I was drawn to the
tension created by their sculptural groups and the curves of the human
figure.
While my first explorations of the human figure were realistic, I have
chosen a more abstract and minimal approach in order to focus the viewers
attention on the human gestures presented. Besides concentrating on the
form of a single figure, I am challenged by relating figures to one another.
When I am in the glass studio, I am trying to create very specific forms,
while expecting a more ambiguous reaction from the viewer. I welcome different
interpretations of these sculptures by the viewers. I have begun more
and more to view my work as being removed from the human figure and directed
towards representations of pure form, movement, and gesture.
The lack of surface decoration establishes continuity and encourages the
viewers’ eye to examine the entire piece. Through trial and error,
I have discovered that translucent colors enable me to experiment with
variations in color saturation throughout the sculptures. This aspect
of my work demonstrates my interest in Czechoslovakian cast glass. Czech
glass artists, such as Vizner and Libensky/Brycktova, utilize varying
thickness of colored glass to produce wonderfully subtle variations in
color in their cast sculptures. Being influenced by these artists, I was
drawn to the challenge of producing a similar effect in blown glass. Light,
in combination with the matte texture, creates a soft surface that emphasizes
the internal glow. Once lured in by the remaining figural references in
my work, I hope to expose the viewer to the emotionally expressive qualities
of subtle color and form. With a closer look, the pieces come to life
through their interaction with light.