Candice Russell | Artist Statement

I want the marks I make to purposely examine the nuance I see in the world, as I find people beautiful, mysterious and flawed. My choice to sculpt in stone, the natural embrace of form through material and acceptance of carving, the imperfections that arise, problem solving, mathematical acuity, have shaped who I am as an artist.  The way people move through their lives inspires me to find movement in sculptural form. Gravity, dignity, expression—all inform my portrait and figure modeling in clay. I enjoy the craftsmanship that is required to accomplish delicate designs grounded in a strong concept. I have a background in classical and beaux arts architecture and sculpture fabrication for over a decade, so the pull to order and embrace natural forms is embedded in my work. When I carve marble I feel an attachment to the core of who I am as an artist.  Being in Carrara will enable me to explore marble and carving techniques I have researched and have a passion to develop further. I find joy in pulling out archives, following clues for sacred geometry, uses of milk as a chemical agent, or trying to discover the mineral composition of the dirt my studio sits on. I use sculpture to explore the rabbit holes that arise when studying philosophy, history and religion. I prefer to see the human hand in my work, change interests me and as I move towards excess in my modelling technique, I’d like to create something large enough that the work demands to be acknowledged. To be able to work in the medium of the masters, with the support of ABC Stone, and The New York Academy of Art, would be the highest achievement of my artistic practice and will be a turning point in my creative work.

Candice Russell

370 E23rd St. 4S Brooklyn, NY 11226

989-977-0774

Candice.Russell@student.nyaa.edu

Candice Russell | Portfolio