ARTIST STATEMENT

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Charles Wright's work is, in a number of ways, a connection to the spirit of the materials that he has used. Wright believes that all materials can be shaped and combined in ways that connect with the essential natures of material. For example, the woods that he uses to create these works come from his childhood home and he believes that the impetus for using this material stems from his attempt to personify material that he has so many memories growing up with. All of the material, but especially the wood, in this series is a part of who he is, and his connection to shared memories with family and friends. Though hard and often considered cold and lifeless, metal can be combined and crafted in ways that brings out the inner beauty of metals. Polished and burnished stainless steal, used in combination with polished wood, is the metallic material that he uses to pursue the inner beauty with metal sculptures.

 

It is Wright's intention to show the beauty of material generally, and to show the connection between craftsmanship and the beauty on non-objective form. As an artist, he continues to produce art from wood, Plexiglas, stone, and a variety of other materials that is primarily cathartic and life-sustaining for him as an object maker.

 

Wright's use of inlayed fragmented eggshells is a tribute to an artist from China who first showed him how to use egg shells as an inlay. As the protective layer to an inner embryonic life form, crushed egg shells have also been used in spiritual circles as psychic protection material to guard against negative spirits. His use of egg shell on the surfaces of his sculptures combines this natural life protecting material with the mysteriously beautiful forms that are created when placed as inlays on his sculptures. He use wooden balls that are also covered with bits of gold leaf, mother of pearl, and fragmented eggshell that are then polished and lacquered to become pearl-like precious objects.

 

 

BIO

Charles Allen Wright is a retired art professor. He is a native of Conway, S.C. He began his studies in art at Coastal Carolina College (1974-1976); and completed the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio in 1978 with a concentration in painting and sculpture. In December 1983, he received the Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Washington University St. Louis, Missouri.

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From 2017 - 2019 he served as the Dean of the College at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Grand Rapids Michigan. Before Kendall, he served as a Professor of Art and the Chair of the Department of Art at Western Illinois University from 2007 - 2017. From 1994 - 2005, he served as Chair of the Department of Visual Arts at Coastal Carolina University. His teaching career started at Coastal Carolina in 1985 as an adjunct sculpture professor.

 

As an arts administrator, Charles sought to be an academic leader, an advocate, and a facilitator for students and faculty. As an artist, he continues to produce art from wood, Plexiglas, stone, and a variety of other materials. His art-making continues to be primarily cathartic and life-sustaining pursuits as an object maker.  His motto continues to be, "ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS" - his translation, "LIFE IS SHORT, BUT ART IS FOREVER"

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