Artist Statement

I began sculpting in 2003. Initially, my solitary focus was metalwork at Chris Sorensen's Studio in Fresno, California. It was then that I fell in love with the way that rusty metal feels, smells when is melting, and looks as two pieces melt together to become one. The materials used in my work have been as diverse in their origin as they are in their form. Most metals that I have incorporated lived a productive previous life, often as farm equipment, car parts, and discarded scraps from stone and water plants. These artifacts are part of a memory and my sculptures often are an expression of a moment in my life. Inspirations have come from my world: family, friends, adventures, and objects from the environment. I have been incorporating found objects for many years. Those positive artistic experiences quickly led me to experiment with stone. Since carving has become a seductive medium, my studio time has become split... stone at home and metal at Chris'. My work has expanded to include stone, wood, and found objects in a more integrated way... becoming more proficient with them has stimulated me to express using a different perspective. My goal is to continue to have my art evolve and grow as I incorporate these new elements into my creations.

Amy E. Kohl
March 2008