BRAVEN SMILLIE

Images are representative of artist’s work. Please contact the gallery for specific information on sizes, colors and pricing of current inventory.

Artist Statement

Having spent my adult life as a freelance reporter, translator and writer, working mostly in Spain, Thailand and Japan, I have now come home to the U.S. west coast, and to my true passion—sculpture. Although the hurly-burly of my profession kept me from seriously pursuing art for many years, I was always deeply moved by the forms of traditional religious sculpture in each country I visited, particularly the polychrome woodcarvings of saints I encountered in Spain, and devotional Buddhist woodcarvings of Japan. I was fortunate enough to practice carving the latter for a number of years with apprentices of 20th Century Buddhist image sculptor Matsuhisa Sorin. I have drawn on these skills in developing my own style of ceramic sculpture cast in concrete, emulating the devotion to craftsmanship and professionalism of these admirable carvers. My goal is to create works that are unique, whimsical and expressive while remaining respectful of the traditions that inform them.

I sculpt in water-based pottery clay, create a silicone rubber mold for the sculpture, then cast reproductions in concrete. Once the concrete is cured, I smooth, dress and re-sculpt the details. Then I rub sepia and black calligraphy ink into the crevices to bring out the features. This is followed by a layering of watercolors to produce richness and depth of hue. The sculpture can then be sealed with a weatherproof flat lacquer, followed by paste wax and buffing. The result is a permanent weatherproof polished stone finish.