Jan Latusek
Artwork for Jan Latusek
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
After a career in architecture and construction I have continued working with building materials, including salvaged Victorian bricks. Carving and sculpting them. I also work with wood from branches brought down in storms, and wood from demolished buildings or broken furniture. Some items I create are functional (vases big & small, doorstops, keyrings), some abstract. I endeavour to feature the natural characteristics of each material including weathered textures, distortions, and what some might regard as flaws but which I think of as evidence of a life lived. My works are mostly 3-dimensional, but also a few mixed-media wall-hung pieces. My carvings and sculptures are not there just to be looked at - they can be touched, picked up, and handled, to sense the shapes, textures and weight. So do visit if vision-impaired or blind. I shall be on hand to explain the thinking behind some of the more obscure pieces. When a bough is brought down in a storm it doesn't lie still. The stresses previously involved in keeping it aloft in defiance of gravity begin to unwind, causing distortions that are offputting to the joiner wanting stable material, but are interesting to me. I take only small portions, leaving the rest to decay and nourish the ground. See also greenling.yolasite.com for some of my carved bricks.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
I define art as creativity that generates emotion. I hope the items I create will trigger some enjoyment in whoever views them or touches them. I particularly enjoy giving a new life to materials that were discarded. Bricks for example can last for thousands of years - it saddens me to see good quality ones crushed as hardcore or dumped as landfill.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Jan Latusek Art. Based in Leominster.