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  JAMES LA CASSE Artist’s Statement: Through my sculpture I reflect on the essence of what makes us human. To me, this is a realm that resembles a magical kaleidoscope of feeling and emotion. It is the beauty, wonder, struggle, playfulness and connection that make up the comedy and drama of the human experience. My sculpture aspires to make light of and give insight into this curious world.  I am strongly influenced by both classical and contemporary artwork along with my study of metal fabrication, casting and the human form. All of this helps to create an opportunity for me to physically translate my thoughts into bronze sculpture.  This process usually flows through a certain evolution. An inspiration or idea is made into a clay “sketch” to be reflected on. Upon reflection, I sometimes make changes to the form and it evolves with my thoughts. When the clay sketch is ready I make a wire frame on which I press clay around while playing with the shape, form, and line. I refine these qualities with both tools and hands until I reach a point that the sculpture is most expressive. It is then that the “lost wax” process is followed. This is a system that takes the clay form through a series of steps resulting in a cast bronze. It is then that the final creative process is realized, the patina. Heat applied acids, chemicals and  pigments are applied to the bronze surface creating colors and textures that compliment the shapes and the sculpture as a whole. It is this quality of coloration, shape, form and line that breathes life into the original inspiration, and allows me to share my ideas with others in the form of bronze sculptures.
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