Janet Geib Pretti, Sculptor

I became a sculptor in the first place to say things I could not say with words, but more and more I find myself grappling to find the image and the words. Mulling over a concept visually and verbally helps move me past the blind spots, detours, and dead ends.

Holding the Void by Alberto Giacometti, and Raven and the First Men by Bill Reid are favorites of mine. I am awed by their makers' audacity and drive to tackle such grand ideas, stripping them down into concise, complete pieces. I live a simple, small town life; I coax and pry subject matter and inspiration from everyday life and events. Yet my intent is the same - to give shape to an idea, not an object.

Fitting In (my latest piece)

For three months in third grade, I was the most popular girl in my class.  My dad had returned from a big city business trip with Barbie dolls, the first in our small town.  All the girls wanted to play with my doll.  It was thrilling to be in the in group, but after Christmas everyone had dolls of their own and I was relieved to disengage from the Barbie Fan Club.  I tried to see what they liked so much about her, but her caricature figure confined to a lifetime in high heels seemed silly to me.

 

The drive to fit in begins at birth.  In America it fuels our economy.  Parents strive to provide their children the latest clothes and toys, the right schools and neighborhoods.  Children quickly learn what is in and what is not.  They hang upside down on monkey bars trying to stretch, diet or spend hours perfecting their cosmetic masks.  Everyone is confused and hurt when parents scrimp and save for the latest fad only to be met with wails of anguish when it is the wrong brand; or a birthday party invitation is suddenly revoked or refused by parental directive because the invitation was from or to a child not in the acceptable social class.

But I was lucky, I was given a Barbie doll.  I suddenly felt the exhaustion of trying to fit in where there was no fit and I began to search and learn for myself who I was, my passions and my dislikes.  Slowly the need for conformity gave way under my growing curiosity about myself and others. 

Daniel Minter

While I was in Seattle last month I went to the Northwest African American Museum to see the Jacob Lawrence and James W. Washington, Jr. exhibit.  It was a treat to finally see Jacob Lawrence's work in person and be introduced to the sculpture of James W. Washington, Jr. , but the biggest surprise of the day was to see the work of Daniel Minter. 

 

Minter had been an artist in residence at Washington's House and Studio and the paintings he had completed were hanging in the museum's hallway and cafeteria.  They were breathtaking and haunting.  Minter also sculpts and illustrates children's books.  His website is www.danielminter.com.  I am posting a few pictures from the website to help lure you into checking it out for yourselves.