More on the Hughes Statue

From the Artist's Statement
by M. Keith Jordan

Steel, Space, and Struggle; The Relationship Between Man and the World He Creates

These works demonstrate the relationship between an individual and the conflicts s/he creates. The focus of the series is the interaction of the two entities, and the dynamics of the movement the opposing forces create.

Steel is the medium used in the series. This material, though being difficult to manipulate, is strong on both a physical and aesthetic plane. Steel can be cold, hard, and sometimes unforgiving, but when transformed it becomes magical, showing warmth, strength, and many rich textures. Fabricating steel creates a natural tension which is very desirable with these sculptures.

Space, and the use thereof, is one of the most important aspects of this project. Personally, proper use of this can be very intimate. When the design element is strong in a piece it draws the viewer in to explore. Space combined with tension from the steel creates a push-pull relationship within the work that conveys a certain amount of movement. The energy of the work is a byproduct of this movement. Movement creates the struggle.

Struggle and the interaction of the two entities is the focus. The geometric portions of the sculpture represent the individual's conflict or vice of life. The organic areas show the human element of the piece. Four stages of life are represented. The cycle begins at adolescence, moves through early adulthood, then mid-life, and concludes with old age. Struggle is an everyday part of life, and how it is dealt with shapes the world.