All the components of my work: the centerpiece, box and frame are constructed entirely of wood. The centerpiece of the sculpture is usually a simple shape inspired by animal forms, nature, religious and/or spiritual symbolism. The centerpiece is carved wood finished with a number of different mediums. Usually I use acrylic paint, stains, powdered metals, coral, nails, stone, wire and other materials. Acids are combined with the powdered metals to create various finishes. Often the centerpiece is mounted in a shadow box or on a three dimensional display. The frame is usually finished using powdered metal that is then oxidized.

Sometimes I am asked how long does it take for me to create one of my pieces? The answer I give might be a few hours, days, or years. For me the creation of a work of art is not limited to the time it takes to create the physical piece. The process of creation is a manifestation of a person’s life experience. Often the process is a search; a search for something mystical, sacred, mysterious and personal. The search is what is most important and is continuous. The time from the point of conception to completion of a piece is different then the time it takes to create a piece. For me the process of creation is a culmination of works and involves many pieces of art.

The concept or spirit of a piece or series of work may come in a flash or might be drawn out slowly while working. Often the ideas or images are revealed to me during the Hypnagogic state or semi-conscious state between being sound asleep and fully awake. The initial vision is usually fleeting, like a glimpse of something at the edge of your vision. Once I have had a glimpse of the image my search begins. Through the creative process I find what I am looking for. I find it in the wood, the shape, the form, and the texture. I find it in the color of the paint, the stone, and the metal. I find it in all of these things.
I make an effort not to overwork a piece, to keep it simple. I want the work to be clean and un-cluttered. Often I stop work on a piece before I feel that it is completed. I do this to leave open the door to the next piece. I think of each piece as a link in a chain, each link being a step in the search. I think of the chain or all of the pieces as being the completed work.

Religious icons, primitive petroglyphs, and symbols from a variety of cultures ancient and modern influence my work. The influence that the viewer sees is dependent on his or her own experiences. Go to the Information/Explanations link for brief descriptions or definitions on some of the things that inspire the work that I do.

Steve Hunsicker