SCULPTURE 2012-2013
ROWS 1-2: Multidimensional Multiples tackles the question of integration of the spiritual and physical human throughout time. It deals with both the Nature of Reality and the Nature of the Self. Robert represents himself as the eternal now on one side by presenting a porcelain mask of his face (similar to a Death Mask) and another iteration of himself as the metaphor of or experience of a past life in a separate mask molded from the first. The two are joined in a composition similar to a Janus Head. This symbol has been utilized by many cultures throughout time. One interpretation of this configuration is that the one side looks out to the future while the other looks back in time. At its simplest, the sculpture represents a persona of Robert and his current image. Duality is therefore yet again represented based upon either a spiritual everlasting interpretation (multiple lifetime theory) or single life (opposing personality trait) interpretation.
ROWS 2-3: Shamanic Gates is inspired by the doors made by Ghiberti for the Florence Baptistery entitled the “Gates of Paradise” and the doors created by Rodin depicting the “Gates of Hell” inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Instead of depicting biblical or biblically inspired themes of “heaven” (Ghiberti’s scenes from the Old Testament) and “hell” (Rodin’s version of Dante’s Inferno), Robert re¬-appropriates them back to ancient shamanic/pagan processes (heaven = upper world, and hell = lower world).
ROWS 7-8: Nomisma V is inspired by the concept that money is a material, spiritual and conceptual tool that humanity has used through the ages to facilitate change, build and destroy culture, and experience life and spiritual lessons. Five 33-½ pound metal coins are migwelded with representations of the Presidents—Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, Grant and Franklin—that directly correspond to their U.S. paper currency images on one side. Images obtained on shamanic journeys in which the Presidents were questioned about what they would have featured, are found on the converse. The coins draw into question how we value and physically use money, the implicit artistry in our coins, and their inherent use as commemoration. Converse images also add a spiritual dimension to the money ensemble—an uncommon juxtaposition.
ROWS 2-3: Shamanic Gates is inspired by the doors made by Ghiberti for the Florence Baptistery entitled the “Gates of Paradise” and the doors created by Rodin depicting the “Gates of Hell” inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Instead of depicting biblical or biblically inspired themes of “heaven” (Ghiberti’s scenes from the Old Testament) and “hell” (Rodin’s version of Dante’s Inferno), Robert re¬-appropriates them back to ancient shamanic/pagan processes (heaven = upper world, and hell = lower world).
ROWS 7-8: Nomisma V is inspired by the concept that money is a material, spiritual and conceptual tool that humanity has used through the ages to facilitate change, build and destroy culture, and experience life and spiritual lessons. Five 33-½ pound metal coins are migwelded with representations of the Presidents—Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, Grant and Franklin—that directly correspond to their U.S. paper currency images on one side. Images obtained on shamanic journeys in which the Presidents were questioned about what they would have featured, are found on the converse. The coins draw into question how we value and physically use money, the implicit artistry in our coins, and their inherent use as commemoration. Converse images also add a spiritual dimension to the money ensemble—an uncommon juxtaposition.