Larry Naylor

Spacemorphism [speys mawr fiz uhm] n.

1. Decorative art and symbolism influenced by early human space exploration and mid-century science fiction writings.

2. The attributing of an outer space object's form or characteristics to god or a god.

Spacemorphic [speys mawr fik] adj.

1. Of or having outer space object form.

As a potter I am strongly influenced by European modernism. Hans Coper, Lucy Rie, and Eugene Deutch are some of my favorite artists. Early Bauhaus school potters; mid-century Scandinavian and American designers have also had a large influence on my aesthetic sense.

As a sculptor I am drawing upon my technical experiences as a bicycle mechanic/frame builder, carpenter and potter. Combining wood, clay and steel seems a natural progression of these life experiences.

The ideas/feelings behind these sculptures are influenced by exposures to the space programs, science fictions and westerns of the 50's, 60's, 70's. I see these influences as reflections of a Turneresque idea of American frontier, his definition of frontier being an expansion into the wilderness and subsequent taming of it by civilized forces--never mind that the so called wilderness was already inhabited. I believe this idea of frontierism represents a dichotomy of creative and destructive elements lying deep within the roots of our culture.

The resulting spacemorphic forms create stoic parodies of the fantastical futures of my youth. These futuristic buildings, rockets, space craft, missiles and heavenly bodies have a nostalgic feeling to me. They encompass the dichotomies of frontierism and ask, where does the real future lead us? Can our culture embrace the creative elements of frontier, and live with grace on this small planet?