Chas Martin

Through abstract figurative sculpture I use gesture to amplify primal qualities, emotions, common experiences and situations. My characters are multicolored, gender-less, politically and religiously neutral archetypal personalities. These simple, dynamic forms are nuanced storytellers. I produce dozens of sketches and paintings to discover each character’s essence. As a voice begins to emerge, I move to 3D. Then, as a director guides an actor, I shape and reshape the armature until it expresses the character’s unique role. In theater or film, each scene ends with an unanswered question, creating suspense that engages viewers and advances the story. I use negative space to create questions. This draws viewers around the form and builds a relationship between viewer and sculpture. Through question and discovery, the interaction gradually reveals the archetype to the observer. Viewing my work is a layered experience. The first reaction is often whimsical or humorous. The second level reveals a more engaging question. The third level reflects the viewer’s own journey. Everyone sees something different.