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Artist Statement of Donald G. Vogl

  • Absolut Vogl

“The 1950s were such an exciting time to be in Chicago at the Art Institute, with such a strong European influence generated by artists and teachers who had escaped the glories of war. Impressionism, expressionism, surrealism - French, German, Russian ex-patriots brought these styles and ideas, much more appealing than the regionalism so pre-eminent in the U.S. Students were from across the globe, helping to give a vitality that was contagious. It took me awhile to appreciate all they contributed to my education, but I still look back to many lessons I learned there, particularly methods that helped generate creativity.

My new series of work comprises drawings, paintings, and ceramics. The work starts with line drawings which develop or evolve into three dimensional ceramics and large paintings which can serve to illustrate how the ceramics would look if enlarged to full size sculpture. Figures are the most discernable subject matter. Some are more abstract than others. I'm sure some people will think of Henry Moore's style while viewing the work.

I don't have any program for an audience to follow or suggestions of what one should be thinking or feeling. The work is not political or narrative. I hope the shapes and colors help provide an uplifting, buoyant mood. The design elements are fluid, not static, allowing the viewer to go with the flow. I do not want my work to look clumsy or stiff but to have some vigor within a sense of refinement.

The idea of flight or floating and an association with birds and music is the mindset I want to be in. Angels and nymphs take on the elements of air and sky. These amorphous figures live in both worlds--if only we could do likewise. ”