Sculptor Gary Voss is one of four recipients of the Modest in Scale exhibition awards. His current work utilizes a combination of ancient encaustic materials and contemporary rapid prototyped ABSi plastic. These vessel-like forms continue a sculpture/pottery hybrid investigation begun years ago.
On exhibit in Modest in Scale are two works, Untitled #78.E.2 and Untitled #88.As.1, created with ABSi plastic and encaustic. I am pleasantly surprised by how appealing the relationship of these two disparate materials is in Voss’s hands. Their translucent bases partially obscure mysterious forms; a bird’s eye view down through layers of vulvar forms continues, rather than dispels the intrigue.
Gary’s work has an emphasis on the internal with obvious reference to the human form. About this series he states:
My recent involvement with ABS plastic continues, to some degree, the sculpture/pottery hybrid investigation. This new technology allows for an acceleration of the process from creation to realization by using industrial materials and contemporary processes of computer modeling and rapid prototyping and calls into question the cultural significance of these new materials and techniques.
The translucency of the material allows the viewer a diffused glimpse of the interior encaustic which is in opposition to the distinct forms when viewed from above. The clean, industrial, austere vessel exteriors, with their technological appearance, are contrasted by the corporeal nature of the interiors. As this plastic has been used in the medical field, the interiors now more clearly reflect notions of body muscles and joints, with surgical implications.
Gary directs the undergraduate and undergraduate programs in sculpture at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Abecedarian Gallery's Blog 