The Philosophy
In his sculpture, Blake attempts to combine present concepts in contemporary art with that of the past, he believes that figurative sculpture will always be appreciated simply because of the powerful and imposing presence the figure, in that it provides a recognizable and emotive image with which we can identify
“My sculpture is uniquely figurative as it is within people that I find my inspiration. It is humanity that provides the foundation for my art and by mirroring the viewer in bronze I strive to touch our personal and spiritual condition.
Blake
attempts to create in bronze an allegory of the human condition, “I
wish to explore our history and reflect the mysteries of the soul in my art.”
“My intent is to evoke enchantment and convey the beauty, strength
and magnificence of the human figure within each sculpture.” In his work
Blake seeks to communicate a narrative in a visual and figurative language
that plays on the richness of human emotions."
Blake represents the beauty of the human body and works to present a vitality of life in his statues, through a relationship between movement and expression, imagination and reality.
“My goal is to create sculpture that inspires, art that captures the essence of our spirit. My dream is to demonstrate the beauty within humanity, in some small way assist in the appreciation of our society, our art and ourselves.”
Born in northern Canada, Blake earned an honours degree in Fine Arts from the University of Alberta before pursuing his study of figurative sculpture in the art capitals of Europe. Apprenticing in Paris, he has focused on the traditional techniques used by figurative sculptors and developed a precise style of representational work. His sculptures are often modern evocations of classic themes, based on dance, mythology, feminism, and the human spirit. More recently many of his sculptures have taken on a socio-political voice and speak of many political and religious conditions within our societies.
“Many artists create from some secret place inside; my work is based on the figure, and although it is the exterior that I sculpt in clay it is humanity that I try to portray inside. It is the mysterious spirit behind our existence that I strive to form in bronze.”
The precision found within the sculpture is evident in the expression and emotion captured within as well as in the anatomical accuracy of the figures.
Blake demonstrates a high level of creative and technical expertise in his work, these powerful and evocative sculptures are painstakingly executed capturing the delicacy of the human physiology while radiating elegance and warmth |
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