Robert Rankin

Artist Statement

I am inspired by a variety of artists and cultures, both Western and non-Western. My sculptures
meld the influence of African sculpture with strains of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Gothic
styles. When I first started to sculpt, Rodin’s work captivated me. His boldness and emotions
reveal themselves in shadows created by light playing off deep cuts. After years of creating
representational sculpture, my sense of beauty expanded. Although I was influenced by
Brancusi, Modigliani, and Botello, I started to trust my own eye. My clay sculptures became
more abstract, with subtle cuts and shadows. My work has evolved to a more personal, playful
style.