John Rawlings

 

“Artists statements are written after the fact...or in most cases...after the act. They are words used to describe what is most often a non-verbal physical and mental engagement. They are written to describe, but very often defection actions; behaviors. They are often crafted to resonate with complex overtones that hint at intellectual superiority and deep sensitivity. I hope not to follow any of these patterns.

Preparing for this site has demanded that I gather up images of my work to edit and sort them. It's not something you do every day, and the experience was both more complex and more fulfilling that I expected. Revelations about recurrent and dominant themes? None, I'm sorry to report. I am clearly drawn to soft organic forms with the circle at the center of this focus. However, it occurs to me that these are the dominant elements in the toys of young children. Perhaps I never grew up!

I resonate with the influences of great teachers, with the energies of my many students, and with the compelling drive toward that ever elusive thing called Quality that was engendered in me at a very young age by the craftsman who was my Father. I'm old enough to have found the patience and discipline that allows me to repeat actions and works until they approach that Quality thing. I deal with failures of materials and techniques with a certain decorum, something that definitely did not happen 30 years ago. The work is just that...Work.

I am very happy in my work, am blessed with a wonderful companion in Souheir, constantly amazed by my spectacular children, and live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There's not much point in writing anything else.

-John Rawlings