My figurative sculptures are investigations into how humans interact socially and within personal relationships. They are reconstructions of the emotional and intellectual mechanisms that people use to cope every day. My objective is to suggest memory narratives and psychological connections.
Myths and fairy tales, family and friends inspire my characters. Some of the figures emit various toy sounds when certain buttons are pushed, pulled or squeezed. The work involves taking apart found objects, combining human and animal forms. The tactile materials such as Raku clay and stitched fibers come together and become a hybrid of the old and new. I find that these elements highlight contradictions such as humor and fear, beauty and decay, the antique and contemporary.
© Rhonda Gushee
1. Mother Role, 2006-2008 – raku clay, glazes, mixed media, welded steel stand, Uba Tuba granite base; 43 in.
2. Silver Hands – raku clay, raku fired, glazes, mixed media, solid cast silver hands, welded steel stand, Uba Tuba granite base; 16 in.