ARTIST INFO:
Karl Steavenson
Attitude, like many of my
sculptures, was inspired by the mechanics of human movement,
body language, and the expressive ways in which people carry
themselves. It is one of a series of pieces that emphasize bala
nce, movement, the activation of negative space, and other formal
relationships inherent in dance.
Limestone, because of its fine texture and color, is a good material
for expressing the important relationship between the dancer’s
physical strength and elegance.
Although the word attitude refers to body posture in general,
this piece was named after a specific ballet pose which as reportedly
modeled after the mannerist
sculptor Giovanni Bologna’s bronze sculpture Mercury (c.1576).
Attitude #3 represents a snapshot of the ongoing investigation
that is my work as a
sculptor. While each sculpture is a unique object, each is a
direct descendent of an
earlier sculpture. Collectively they form a body of work that
has evolved over a
period of years.
Although I find inspiration in a variety of sources, most of
my work reflects an
exploration of human emotions, relationships and movement. Inspired
by watching
my daughter learn to dance, Attitude #3 is one of several pieces
that explore how
the body moves in space.
I use a variety of traditional materials including cast metal,
steel, clay and stone.
Although I often attempt to combine these materials in ways that
suggest a sense of
impending collapse, their traditional use in sculpture and construction
implies
permanence and stability. In this piece, I use Indiana limesto
ne to suggest that a
dancer’s expression or balance, grace and elegance is a
manifestation of great
bodily strength. |
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