Robert Smith

2016

Is it possible to freeze and personify a piece of American iconography?

I'm often asked to sculpt busts or portraits of beloved dogs, but I'm confident I don't want to (except for my friend Ben's dog Pilaf, mid-poo). I find it more intriguing to create objects that grab attention, serve a purpose in rituals, or challenge our existing knowledge. However, I appreciate the rich history of sculpting American icons.

After a road trip across the country, one figure stood out in my mind: the wacky inflatable tube man. No other figure transcended cultural lines like the smiling air dancer.

When searching for a name for my work, a quick Google search revealed that Robert Smith is America's most common male name. I wanted a title as ubiquitous as the advertising itself. I chose "Robert Smith," a faux-finished sculpture designed to resemble marble. The stillness of the sculpture contrasts with its air-powered inspiration. The name "Robert Smith" is less erratic and demands less immediacy.