Francesc Burgos

Statement:

  My recent ceramic work consists mostly of thin porcelain sculptures. They are minimal but intriguing forms, in dynamic equilibrium, that seem to defy gravity. They are organic abstractions that evoke aspects of nature, but also of geometry, architecture, music or language, and pack their energy like a haiku poem. Ceramics has been, since prehistory, about vessels, and as a sculptor and ceramist I am interested in natural and human-made forms that contain, protect and shape life in its multiplicity of form; a hard wall around an empty space: shells, hulls, buildings... A parallel body of work consists of mixed-media site-specific installations and large free-standing structures. These pieces, whether wall-mounted or free-standing, are light, almost ethereal, poised between rest and action and invite the interaction with (and their transformation by) the observer. A current installation at the School of Art & Design in Ann Arbor uses a wall measuring 12x180 feet as a canvas for an exercise on possibility and choice.

I aim for forms that will have a strong presence and be intriguing and beautiful, proportionate and harmonic inside and out: the poetics of space. Having a background in architectural design, I sketch and study the form in drawings before starting a piece. Sometimes I draw elevations, plans and sections to understand how to build it and how it will support itself when the clay softens during firing. I make small models to study the form or full size templates to guide me during construction. Other times, as in some modular clay and wood pieces, inspiration and chance during assembly lead to unexpected forms. Most clay pieces are built starting with a thin slab as a base, then layering and pinching successive coils or wads of clay around its perimeter; one of the earliest and most primitive ceramic techniques.

Website:  francescburgos.com 

Online Store: Francesc Burgos @ WSG-Shop.com