Jennifer Place Artist Statement
This Bird (#18) is one of several dozen birds made in the last two years. I work with found objects (from flea markets, house (basement) sales, donations from friends) and junk found on the roadside or discarded in vacant lots. I like muffler parts that fall off trucks or metal pieces left out to weather that acquire patina or a new shape.
I also work in hot (flameworked) glass, which, along with metal, is a malleable material, able to be shaped to suit an idea. I often add movement to a sculpture to enhance the dimension and incorporate shadows. The key is transformation. The sculptural results balance contemporary vision, ancient techniques, and discarded industry.