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Resurrection, transformation, and the
fascination with objects form the basis of my work. A childhood desire to
become an architect propelled me towards the "hands on" building
of model cities, towers, and polychromed "yachts." I'd never
thought of myself as a sculptor, even as a youth constructing detailed
model railroads and cityscapes. One semester in engineering school,
however, convinced me that there was no formula for my visions. My own
hand and eye would dictate the fanciful, tactile world which I might
inhabit; and so, I became (am becoming) an artist.
Technology has unleashed a multitude of "raw material" for my
use. Discarded computers, televisions, and plastic toys have become key
elements for my microcosms of our sprawling landscape. It's ongoing and
growing as my work becomes a metaphor for the "stuff" encrusting
the urban environment. I don't think of it as political, and yet the
obsession betrays a moral dilemma. I crave the "stuff" which
pours from our technoculture even as I am repulsed by the same material
culture. It overwhelms me, and I cannot deal with it other than as an
artist, a builder. What is one to do?
At age 62, I continue working towards a dream of resurrection and
integration; of making my vision increasingly accessible to all members
of society. My work is inclusive. It takes its form from the popular icons
and electronic gadgets consumed by a mass culture, and in turn is fed back
to the people through my own metamorphosis.
I would sail away on one of my own boats. I would inhabit my own
fictionalized towers with their many stories. And I would travel the circuits
and wires woven through the generic cities of capacitors, BIC lighters, computer
keys, and plastic toys as if I were an electron racing towards self-discovery.
Wallace Warren
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