Artist Statement

The genesis of my art can be found in a desire to better understand myself and I pursue this in my figurative sculpture by drawing from my subconscious for imagery and subject matter.  I hold to the belief that the only thing I might ever come to understand in its entirety is myself, and the most natural way for me to do that is through my art.  In looking at my mental images, I hope to gain an understanding of humanity as a whole.  The first place I discovered these images were in my dreams, both asleep and awake, as in the unconscious wanderings of my mind.  These encounters lead to sketching, which in turn informed the sculptures I was making.  As I meditated on what I was sculpting I became interested in what exactly these figures meant and how they portrayed an aspect of my psyche. The stylizations I use are indicative of humanity’s primal nature in juxtaposition to its spirituality, which is reflected in the animal human hybrids, the elongations of the figure, and the stretching of flesh over a form.   

About

Bio

I am sculptor originally from Kentucky but have now made my home in the Portland Region.  The body of art I am currently working on revolves around the figure as a lucid subject that I capture in a moment of clarity in an otherwise dynamic evolving form.  I predominantly use wood as my medium but have embraced many recycled or reconstituted materials.  I recently attained my M.F.A. in sculpture from Edinboro University and I also have a B.A. in Art from Georgetown College. I have actively shown in regional exhibitions, group shows, and solo exhibitions back east but now I am hoping to gain a foothold in the Portland area.  Professionally I have actively sold my work and regularly have won awards.

My art has always been a very personal source of expression but I have always marveled at how other viewers can relate to it as well.   I am looking forward to having that very special relationship with an entirely new audience in the Northwest. 

Contact

christopherbwagner@gmail.com

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