I often listen to music while I work, all kinds of music. I don't remember whether I was listening to Yo-Yo Ma when the big cello shape came into being, or whether the shape inspired me to go and find some of his recording. I do know that once the connection was made his renditions of Bach became background music to my journey of creation with this piece.
One way I think of sculpture is as visual music. Fashioned in the mind by the hand of its maker, it is an entity unto itself claiming a place in this work by fact of being. Like music its claim has the ephemeral quality of the non-utilitarian, and like music it is celebrated for its ability to heighten the senses and add savor to our lives. Like music it stands sentry at gateways to days remarkable for their qualities of surprise, thought, wonder, and contemplation, rather than merely marked in their passing quantities.
At its best sculpture and music will awaken in its viewer/listener a hunger that will only be fed by their own creative quests. I suppose that is the meaning of this piece's title. There is small chance this sculpture will play muse to Mr. Ma himself, but I certainly hope it will play that role for others. Art inspires art, it's a long and lovely lineage.
Artist's Comments
One way I think of sculpture is as visual music. Fashioned in the mind by the hand of its maker, it is an entity unto itself claiming a place in this work by fact of being. Like music its claim has the ephemeral quality of the non-utilitarian, and like music it is celebrated for its ability to heighten the senses and add savor to our lives. Like music it stands sentry at gateways to days remarkable for their qualities of surprise, thought, wonder, and contemplation, rather than merely marked in their passing quantities.
At its best sculpture and music will awaken in its viewer/listener a hunger that will only be fed by their own creative quests. I suppose that is the meaning of this piece's title. There is small chance this sculpture will play muse to Mr. Ma himself, but I certainly hope it will play that role for others. Art inspires art, it's a long and lovely lineage.
About the Artist
"I like to be surprised with what I come up with at the end of the day. Creativity is a journey where knowledge must be accumulated and employed in a seamless cycle. It fills in gaps of what I don't know in seemingly random ways, but only because I can't foresee everything that will be required to resolve the current problem. Then, inevitably, several onward courses will beckon. I'll choose what to me seems the most interesting way forward. That's the key, not what just moves you to completion, but what makes the journey a lively, memorable trek. I've learned as I have gotten older, and maybe some wiser, to talk less and work more. That's where the truly interesting conversation is taking place."
Mike Roig - 2005
For more information, visit www.studiotour.com/heartworks.