Artist Statement
Stan hand carves and paints narrative / figurative sculptures with a contemporary edge.
He prefers basswood, since it allows detail and ease of cutting with chisels and knives. It is the traditional carving wood for carousel animals. The sculptures are often finished with milk paints, acrylic washes, and thinned shellac. The subtle washed out colors bring a breath of life to his work.
He is primarily self taught, and has a love of folk art and outsider art. As a result, he has traveled to Bali to work with mask carvers, and Oaxaca to carve along side master carvers of Alebrijes, animal spirits they find in twisted branches.
Stan creates art in both New Mexico and Oregon. The wide angle expanses of the high desert, as well as long low tide walks on ocean beaches provide inspiration. He utilizes these backdrops for photo shoots of his sculptures. He will often make photo books from these, creating new narratives for the imagination. His wandering mind is at work every day, and delights in the unexpected.
Stan has been professionally exhibiting in galleries since the early 80’s.
His work has been collected widely and is in several public, as well as countless private collections.