Journal: IN.SEK: Thumbnail

Where are you from and where do you reside?

I was born in Miami, but am currently living in upstate New York.

When did you begin your sculptural practice?

I have been working and evolving it since I was a child.

What are some themes that you find constantly appearing in your pieces, intentional or not?

Duality is central - translucence vs. opacity, solid vs. void, and lightness vs. heaviness. Also the “weight” of a material - both physical and metaphysical.

What is the most rewarding part of the artistic process for you?

Creating something from nothing

How do you choose your materials?

Wisely and with great care.

Are there any aspects of your process that are left to chance?

Yes, the beauty in working with cast concrete is that you never know exactly what you are going to get until you demold. I think it is important to experiment, have no fear in trying new things, and to let raw materials shine. A lot of the best ideas and experiments are when unintentional or “happy accidents” occur. Those moments push the practice into new directions and open up new perspectives that might otherwise be blocked.

I think it is important to experiment, have no fear in trying new things, and to let raw materials shine. A lot of the best ideas and experiments are when unintentional or “happy accidents” occur.

Ashira Israel

How has your work developed in the past few years, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

My work philosophy has always been to start from the ground up, at the beginning, with a solid foundation in materials and joinery. Once these are mastered, I see the scale of the work gradually evolving into larger projects. Eventually I would like to work on outdoor public and social spaces. I like the idea of creating spaces that are free and accessible to everyone to enjoy.

Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I like snowshoeing.

Post updated April 30, 2024.