Contemporary artist Martin Puryear was trained first as a craftsman of
objects intended for use, such as guitars, canoes, and furniture, and
only later as an artist of objects to be viewed and
contemplatedâetchings, paintings, and sculptures. This diverse
training developed in Puryear an exceptional sensitivity to the media
in which he works, such that he seems always to be struggling between
two poles of creative inspiration: the artist's drive to bring a
particular concept to life in a physical medium, and the craftsman's
desire to engage the medium with an open mind and spirit to see what
ideas it brings forth. This tension is embodied in the often massive
yet gloriously approachable objects this world renowned sculptor brings
to life. "My vehicle typically is to make work that is about the
presentation of the work itself and what went into the making of the
work as an object," Puryear said in a recent PBS documentary. "There's
a story in the making of objects. There's a narrative in the
fabrication of things, which to me is fascinating." To view Puryear's
work is to see that story, and feel its fascination in a visceral
manner.