Russell Whiting

1955 Bastrop Texas

Artist Statement
Born in 1955, in Bastrop ,Texas, raised in Bastrop, Louisiana. I began working with steel in the early 80s, in shipyards and oilfield environments. The realization that steel could be carved like wood, soon open up a whole new world of possibilities!I started carving wood in my early 20s ,self-taught and classically oriented in subject matter. Though, still strongly influenced by classical form, I have begun to recognize the validity of my own subconscious dialog, as a fertile source, for my work.The creation of my images is influenced by many factors: religion, ancient culture, cinema, other artist, etc The images are combined, mutated and reborn with no regard to logic or to their origination.The figures flow from dream, fantasy and conscious manipulation. The work is not interpreted or analyzed during creation. I am often surprised by the interpretations of others and feel like I have a wonderful connection because of their ingenuity!