FRAN PARKES
SCULPTOR
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
I began working with clay five years ago after moving to the Sunshine
Coast from Brisbane. I gained my knowledge of the craft of clay by
participating in ceramic and 3D courses through TAFE Queensland and
several sculptural workshops with established artists. Having
experienced this I was able to concentrate on the development of a style
that allowed me to express my ideas.
I did not make a conscious decision to be a sculptor. I evolved in that
direction through a natural affinity for a medium that allowed me to
portray movement and form in an organic way. I describe myself as a
sculptor because of the freedom to express my ideas about the human body
and how it echoes forms in the natural environment.
When I first started to sculpt it was in a variety of mediums, but
always around the single idea of the female form. My work has become
more conceptual. I knew I wanted to use clay to portray pure and simple
lines. Ie endeavour to reduce the sculptural form to its most
fundamental elements, but still maintain a strong emotional involvement.
In the pursuit of conveying this beauty, I have not only relied on form
and the nature of clay, finishes have also been very important to the
success of my ideas. I have enjoyed experimenting with alternatives to
traditional glazes and making clay appear as something it is not.
