Al Roberts
My current body of work revolves around an ongoing theme of life, death, and self-reflection, with the meaning of my artwork coming to fruition throughout the creative process. I use my artwork as a portal to the self-examination of the subconscious, and this is continual reflective process results in a heightened understanding of self. connecting with the viewer on a conscious and unconscious level my artwork is embedded with symbolic elements and motifs with universal connotations. This piece explores ideas around the preciousness of life and the individual and societal resistance to aging and death. I’ve used the traditional material of porcelain to suggest value as well and longevity. The smooth and delicate porcelain bone, a symbol of life itself, is stretched to the point of being solely ornamental, suggesting fragility and prolonged preservation. Raised metal stirrups support the fragile structure, gently cradling the bone, protecting its existence.
Al Roberts 2020
Good Bones, porcelain, hardwood, brass
Al’s practice explores life, death and self-reflection. In this work Al reflects upon the fragility of life by sculpting a porcelain bone that is supported by two metal stirrups. The materiality of the porcelain considers presents a symbol of life as eternal yet delicate, while the stirrups protect the figure while also offering it for exhibition.
Reece Connor 2020