Cup in the rough series statement
I have been working on this series of sculptural cups for several years now, and often find myself coming back to it, but with each re-visitation there is an evolution of form.  The series evolves either by the incorporation of a new material, or by the exaggeration of form and expounding on the theme.  The first series was actually quite functional, but as the theme develops, which is founded on the more famous “diamond in the rough”, various parts have become more elaborate, and stretched to extremes.  The rough base becomes more rough, organic and naturalistic as if a volcanic rock or coarse coral.  The vessel/cup which plays the part of the diamond, becomes more refined, elaborate, and separate by being held aloft by extending finger tendrils to further increase the contrast between the two.  To add another opposing factor between the two parts, the vessel is brightly colored with a mechanical pattern of banding lines.  The design summation in the end I achieve is akin to the common dichotomy of man vs. nature, control vs. chaos, etc.