January/February		Vol.24 No.1
2005
A publication of the International Sculpture Center

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From the Chairman

This month, instead of addressing the ISC membership myself, I want to pass along some responses by artist members of the ISC Board of Directors to the wonderful presentation by Antony Gormley at the recent ISC Fall Sculpture Symposium in New Orleans.

Rob Fisher: Antony Gormley’s concerns about the connection between inside and outside of the body, between physical and mental perceptions of existence, were provocative and clearly presented. But what was so stunning was the manner in which he ultimately sculpted this concept into an evolving series of figures that progressed on a path from closed to open shells cast from his own body, ending with superb welded linear constructions that filled the voids of the molds with darting lines that reminded me of scientific experiments revealing the paths of electrons. Some of these constructivist figures seemed like they were exploding with energy out into the universe. They dissolved matter into energy in an apparition that evoked precisely what he was striving toward, the unification of inside. The distance was one of the most breathtaking images I have ever witnessed.

Richard Heinrich: Gormley confessed to not having all the answers and being affected by fear during his development and continuing career. This was quite refreshing.

Robert Michael Smith: I was exceptionally moved by the aesthetic evolution in Gormley’s work over the past two decades. His newest work is ethereal and spiritually elevated. I was most impressed by his installation at the Baltic, which exposes the subatomic/photonic structure underlying all matter and reveals each individual within the mass form that links universal consciousness. His work has evolved from the hard, heavy façade of the leaden body to the lightness of being that underlies every body. Bravo!

Bruce Beasley: This marvelous sculptor gave the audience an in-depth view into his process and approach to making art. He communicates verbally as well as his work communicates visually.

Laura Thorne: Gormley’s keynote address was both visually and verbally provocative. His anonymous yet universal figures take classic figuration to a new level, exploring issues of inner and outer being, time and space. His presentation gave insight into the creating of the physical sculpture as well as the concepts behind the pieces. It was a great way to start the conference, filling us with ideas and visuals to ponder and discuss.

Lin Emery: Gormley’s beautifully articulated presentation was a prime example of how one sculptor’s search and
discovery can affect a whole group of other sculptors. His descriptions of the paths he explored and the means he developed to realize his ideas became guidelines for all of us. In the same way, at earlier conferences, Isamu Noguchi inspired and instructed a whole generation. For me, this represents the meaning and purpose of ISC conferences.

I could not agree more. The next ISC conference will be in Cincinnati, June 9–11, 2005, and I hope you will make your plans now to be there with us. In the next two issues of Sculpture we will be announcing the slate of speakers for the conference, and I promise you many more inspiring and memorable presentations like what we experienced in New Orleans and at so many other ISC-sponsored events. Join us and be a part of sculpture history.

Robert Duncan
Chairman, ISC Board of Directors
RDuncan@sculpture.org.

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