Tony Paterson - Personal Statement

My sculpture addresses two directions. My personal works are found in one area, some of which are highly stylized, but relating to the human figure. The other area contains my portraits and public commissions. To pursue portraiture as a serious form of expression is difficult: curators and critics have historically ignored portraits, perhaps because of the personal connotations. More recently beginning with Daumier, artists have expressed themselves without regard for the subject's cooperation as purchaser. This, I believe, has led to a greater freedom of expression.

In spite of the limitations, I consider portrait sculpture to be one of my most rewarding creative efforts. Regarding my more personal statements in sculpture, in the sixties I was very active in the anti-war civil rights movements. The titles I gave my works reflect those concerns: Shelter, Threatening Bureaucrat, Flayed Scull, etc.

Since that time, while pursuing the idea presented in Confined Woman, my work has become more complicated symbolically, so I have dropped titles. Female imagery signifies the human condition. Women not only conceive life, but carry this new life and are provided with the means of directly caring for life after birth. Although I use female imagery, my work is androgynous in the larger context. These pieces represent human symbols trapped and isolated, yet potent and triumphant.

My intention is to continue my present direction with the possibility that I may return to the classical figure in my personal work. I also intend to pursue public sculpture and work more closely with architects to bring a quality and content not found in public sculpture today.