Pamela L Hignite
Artist Statement
My work has always been heavily influenced by nature and the human figure. I have an affinity for the art of primitive cultures. Their imagery is powerful and full of spiritual meaning which is what I strive for in the sculpture I create. I feel very strongly that everything is connected and that we are all one. On a biological level (animal, vegetable, mineral) we are all made up of the same substance. We all come into existence in some form and we all die, wither, or break down and return to the dust of the earth. I believe that we are connected spiritually and mentally as well as physically. I address these connections through my work focusing on birth and death, our journeys through life, and our future generations that will inherit the resonance of our passing through.
The paper clay material that I use has an earthy look and feel to it, linking my figures to the natural environment. The material is reminiscent of a stone surface or an insect nest and is made from recycled materials, clay, and Titebond II wood glue. The support structure of each figure is made up of tree branches and wire or wrapped paper armature. The surface of the paper clay is embedded with ceramic elements and/or found natural objects. Tiny buildings, pathways, tombs, and caves also populate the visual landscape of some figures rendering the body as a symbol for the earth's surface. Smaller figures are embellished with found objects that carry a history of their own, lending layers of meaning to the pieces. Using natural materials, I try to bond nature with figurative imagery as our ancestors did in the hope of awakening a primordial connection in my viewer.
Artist Statement
My work has always been heavily influenced by nature and the human figure. I have an affinity for the art of primitive cultures. Their imagery is powerful and full of spiritual meaning which is what I strive for in the sculpture I create. I feel very strongly that everything is connected and that we are all one. On a biological level (animal, vegetable, mineral) we are all made up of the same substance. We all come into existence in some form and we all die, wither, or break down and return to the dust of the earth. I believe that we are connected spiritually and mentally as well as physically. I address these connections through my work focusing on birth and death, our journeys through life, and our future generations that will inherit the resonance of our passing through.
The paper clay material that I use has an earthy look and feel to it, linking my figures to the natural environment. The material is reminiscent of a stone surface or an insect nest and is made from recycled materials, clay, and Titebond II wood glue. The support structure of each figure is made up of tree branches and wire or wrapped paper armature. The surface of the paper clay is embedded with ceramic elements and/or found natural objects. Tiny buildings, pathways, tombs, and caves also populate the visual landscape of some figures rendering the body as a symbol for the earth's surface. Smaller figures are embellished with found objects that carry a history of their own, lending layers of meaning to the pieces. Using natural materials, I try to bond nature with figurative imagery as our ancestors did in the hope of awakening a primordial connection in my viewer.
