I first began to explore sculpture by learning garden statuary in the mid-1980s. I sculpted my designs in clay and made molds to cast statuary. During that time, I also explored painting with acrylics and oils, though my love of solid materials led me deeper into sculptural work. I began working with alabaster, basalt, granite, and marble. In 1995, I began to work in metal-welded sculpture in bronze, mild steel, and stainless steel. I added fused glass created by local artist Branka Harris to the work in 2000.
In a process known as direct carving, I carefully and patiently study a stone until the shape and color inspires the image I ultimately pursue. All of my sculpture is equally divided between figurative and abstract work. For me, it is the ever-renewing process of exploration working through to the completion of a piece that drives my work.– Aaron B. Poovey