The Four Corners Arts Center
11th Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
The Sculpture park is open to the public for viewing during daylight hours from June 29 through September. It is located on the grounds of the Meeting House, 3582 Main Rd, Tiverton, RI 02878 (Click here for map and directions)
BELOW IS INFORMATION FROM 2007's LISTING. Please check back as we update with new informaton.
The Sculpture Park Exhibit is being sponsored by Coastal Roasters
The themes of my work come from metaphysical concerns (systems of unified dualities, the interconnected nature of matter) and biological adaptation and life processes (similarities between parts and functions of different life forms, different types of relationships between species and individuals, the interconnected nature of birth, life, and death). These two central themes are ways of understanding the world (and greater universe) and its occupants, and they can give us a context in which to make sense of ourselves and our lives. Related to these concerns are the various ways in which we seek comfort from an often harsh reality, both as humans and as life forms in general.
Although I think about these issues constantly as I work, I don’t want my work to be didactic illustrations of theory or have a primary reference. Instead, it is more exploratory, making multiple references that defy a single interpretation. Recently I’ve focused on draped and puckered forms that contain elements of duality (they speak of positive and negative space, absence and presence, etc.), allude to biology (elements of reproduction, egg sacs, udders, plants and fungal growths, skin, cells, etc.), and reference particularly human elements of comfort (pillows, blankets, sewn garments, etc.). My forms do not make claims about life or metaphysics, but they are informed by these subjects and explore possible connections and relationships between life and matter.
I create unique, award-winning, mixed media three-dimensional works and installations. I am inspired by the Italian and Greek artists who were part of the Arte Povera movement of the 1960’s and 70’s. I often use found objects and items from everyday life in my art. Working with materials as diverse as rust, sand, barbed wire, wood, metal, water, and a variety of paints, I make visceral art that is at times overtly political and in direct response to the present social climate in the United States and abroad, at other times deeply personal and enigmatic. In many instances, my art drives itself during the creation process. The finished piece often surprises me.
The processes of knitting, lace making and crocheting
are a main component of my pieces. I admire this
method of work for its ability to record time and
space through gesture. Repeating line forms loops,
knots and stitches. These weavings hold form, pattern,
and detail. It is this woven structure of line and
fiber that gives physical strength to the work while
adding a linear marking to the pieces.
My love of surface and texture can be recognized
through my use of glass, tree sap, resin, sugar, fiber
optics and ice. This interest is directly related to
the interaction of light through the material. The
ability of a substance to reflect, magnify, or obscure
light is significant to me. I choose surfaces that
act as windows or veils through which the patterns and
transitions of light and line can be viewed.
Phil grew up with a strong connection to the waterfront in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. After attending art classes, and much serendipity, he discovered the perfect medium to work in-granite. He has continually been teaching himself the intricacies of carving stone. His designs come from his own creativity and from within the stone itself, giving each piece its own identity as a timeless work of art.
From: Art New England December/January 2007 AMONGST THE TREES
"Most effective are Phil Cook’s granite abstracts,Figure 1 and Figure 2, which are paired together on a sloped part of the lawn. The carved human-sized stones echo the Pictish megaliths of pre-history, conveying a sense of timelessness, while connecting to the dominant rock of New England. Cook achieves a remarkable gestural quality in these works, as the outstretched shapes strike ritual poses, glistening silver in the light rain of the day."
Aaron Brodeur
“The Bird”
(If interested in purchasing this piece, please . (401) 418-2075)
Intrinsically artistic, Aaron views the world through a creative lens. Having been recognized for his sketches and earned a degree in graphic design, his palette has both expanded and matured to include sculpture. Driven by a sense of conviction to remain true to his beliefs and ideals, Aaron considers sculpture to be the medium that most effectively allows him to communicate his message.
“There is wisdom in the tangible,” he says. “An old desk. A creaky chair. Any object that can be touched relays immediate connection. A major part of sculpture is intriguing the senses. Digital media is wonderful, and amazing things can be done with digital access, but you can never sit on it and hear how it creaks. My personal ability to be creative and access my highest level of potential is greatest through sculpture.”
Considering hard work and follow-through to be as essential as creativity, Aaron is continuing his schooling while pursuing new opportunities to spread his roots within the artistic community.
His future is indeed bright. "I have no doubt Aaron will be a great creative force,” says close friend and mentor, local artist Brian Fox. “He has incredible God-given abilities, and I always look forward to seeing what he is working on."
Whitmore Boogaerts has been working as a full time artist for eleven years. With a lifetime background in the arts and a degree in civil engineering, his work demonstrates structure and balance, with a touch of whimsy. The work, mainly welded steel, has ranged from funky and stylish furniture to spirited outdoor sculptures. Whitmore has completed many commissions which incorporate his artistic vision with the site specific goals of each client. The overall goal of the work is to find a way to let nature itself flow through and help design the actual piece.
 "Four Corners Arts Center in the Soule Seabury House, Tiverton, RI - click for larger photo")
