I have several bodies of work that are described in the Art Section but this artist’s statement is a founding document for me. I am still addressing these issues in different ways even though this was written to correspond with my MFA Thesis work titled Risen Land in 2014. I find it helpful to have reminders of time, concept and the language we used when considering growth and evolution.
The sculptures I create are often inspired by derelict manufactured spaces. Each object is created in Tabby, a historic building material comprised of oyster shells, lime, sand and water, commonly known as ‘the first American concrete.’ Tabby was often used in the Coastal South, speaking to the resourceful tradition of using available aggregates. The sculptures embrace the tonal and textural qualities provided by this material to yield ghost-like representations of architectural components while also referencing commercial and historic methods of construction.
Serving as a monument to the diverse history of each site, every
sculpture is fabricated based on the scale of the original architecture. Whether the selection is derived from personal, commercial, or historical interest, preserving the specified sense of the structure always remains paramount. Within each sculpture, sections are intentionally left missing to reference a hindered capacity for each architectural component to fulfill its intended function. By focusing on facades in ruin, the works act as a metaphor for neglect, loss, transition and transformation.
ANTHONY FARIS 