Justin Kendall

Artist Statement

The Lindy effect asserts that because the Colosseum has been around nearly 2000 years, we can expect to have it for as much if not more time. When I consider the longevity of Homer or Hammurabi, the knowledge that figurative sculpture is an ancient tradition that predates recorded history provides me with unlimited inspiration and a constantly renewing conviction. This idea of historical longevity is a strong influence on how I think about my work. Within my broader dedication to studying the human form exists smaller, more narrow pathways of curiosity and concern. I think an artist’s strengths can be attributed to what they hold veneration for, and so the composition and design of my own work is orchestrated to highlight the features of sculpture that I’m drawn to as an observer. These include the abstract forms present in nature as well as the physical character of my primary medium itself - clay. Clay is just dirt and water after all, and I like that everyone more or less has a tactile understanding of it from a young age. During the initial phase of a sculpture, I aim to explore and integrate raw aspects of humanity captured in this earthly, humble material. And so my work isn't necessarily bound by, or subordinate to mere narrative. Instead, I strive to carefully and consciously observe nature and all its variety - both the abstract and concrete elements. It is my belief that the "realistic" or "traditional" and the "abstract" or "conceptual" are not mutually exclusive - but rather inclusive. So within the realistic, anatomical framework of figurative sculpture, exists space to capture unpredictable trajectories and strange topographies of form. In this way, I'm able to access a deep well of inspiration and allow my design potential to be infinite, with the end result being sculpture whose forms (hopefully) have a dignity and quality all to their own.