Roberley Bell

some things

This series of small scale sculpture, titled some things, initially thought of as mental preparation for large-scale work, have evolved into a practice in and of itself opening new avenues for investigation of the boundary between nature and artifice. These subtle works are an extension of the themes explored in my larger body of work, but on a different scale, both visually and psychically. The some things are crafted using a wide variety of media including clay, plaster, and wood. Most often painted white, the uniform paint serves to both unify the discrete materials into a single form as well as disguise them. Afterwards I often add a bright accent of color — a burst of neon orange fimo clay, or bright green paint that boldly announces itself from the white of the sculpture's body. This shock of color is reminiscent of the experience of seeing my large sculpture installed in the landscape — a burst of off-the-shelf brightness nestled in the surrounding verdure. Though obviously very considered, because of their scale combined with the artistic process, there is a palpable spontaneity inherent in these works— a quirky liveliness which is sometimes not apparent in the larger, more refined works.