Obie Clark
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Artist Statement
Art for me started in childhood. I found that I could draw what I could see. Drawing and having a
sense for design fulfilled in me the need for expression. I have dealt with the problem of not being
verbal since childhood, consequently I have trained myself to communicate visually. Teaching
myself to "see" more and more. Art has been my mode of communication. Art is like having a
romance with a medium and the medium becoming the message.
In my work I enjoy combing things from nature; wood, metal, and clay. I like to take an item from
nature and let natural design elements dictate the shape of the piece. I strive for three principles
in my work, all being of equal importance. These principles are craftsmanship, design, and spirit.
The foundation of art is craftsmanship. Without craftsmanship a work of art could not stand on its
own, no matter how good the design. I believe in adhering to the elements of design, unity,
texture, balance, and movement. A work of art should possess a spirit which comes from within
oneself, an intuitive magical feeling about nature and people I meet. Much of the spirit of my work
comes from representing nature and her elements.
I have a great love for the vessel form and currently I am involved with a sculptural approach to
the vessel. I want it to possess a certain uniqueness like a signature.
Vocabulary for me is not in verbal or written words but in vision. Like the analogy of a bird's sight
being the strongest sense it possesses and it's dependence on it for survival. I feel that my
survival also has been based on a strong visual sense.
Art for me started in childhood. I found that I could draw what I could see. Drawing and having a
sense for design fulfilled in me the need for expression. I have dealt with the problem of not being
verbal since childhood, consequently I have trained myself to communicate visually. Teaching
myself to "see" more and more. Art has been my mode of communication. Art is like having a
romance with a medium and the medium becoming the message.
In my work I enjoy combing things from nature; wood, metal, and clay. I like to take an item from
nature and let natural design elements dictate the shape of the piece. I strive for three principles
in my work, all being of equal importance. These principles are craftsmanship, design, and spirit.
The foundation of art is craftsmanship. Without craftsmanship a work of art could not stand on its
own, no matter how good the design. I believe in adhering to the elements of design, unity,
texture, balance, and movement. A work of art should possess a spirit which comes from within
oneself, an intuitive magical feeling about nature and people I meet. Much of the spirit of my work
comes from representing nature and her elements.
I have a great love for the vessel form and currently I am involved with a sculptural approach to
the vessel. I want it to possess a certain uniqueness like a signature.
Vocabulary for me is not in verbal or written words but in vision. Like the analogy of a bird's sight
being the strongest sense it possesses and it's dependence on it for survival. I feel that my
survival also has been based on a strong visual sense.
