“Achieving a sense of “rightness,” even in the most uncertain circumstances, is the motivating concept behind my sculpture. The work is figurative but is not about the figure. I consider myself an expressionist, as I am more interested in communicating an abstract feeling or idea than an actual image. I use recognizable forms to evoke emotions and stimulate sensations”. – Jean-Jacques Porret.
Jean-Jacques Porret – Star Of The Week.
“Rencontre Nocturne II” Cast Bronze by Jean-Jacques Porret.
WAS THERE A PIVOTAL MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH AS AN ARTIST?
Not really. I started to carve and work with wood at a very young age. In the early days, my primary source of knowledge was sculptors interested enough to answer my questions. I visited the studios of some of the most famous sculptors, such as Pomodoro, Chilida, Ramseyer, Etrog, Henry Moore, and others. I was drawn to and learned the technique of bronze and lost wax casting “because it is the most demanding material which is responsive and sweet to the touch.” Lost wax is a slow multi-step process that has endured only because of the results.
One can not learn to be an Artist or a creator. That’s something one is born with. Lots of people are trying to be an artist, but they lack that little crazy item called being creative, which is related to “IMAGINATION.”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
To categorize my work as figurative or abstract is moot. Though figurative in practice, the work is never about the figure, but the emotions and ideas shared by the human race, expressed in the tension of the fluid curves and precarious balance. Though abstract, the recognizable form and innate humanity within each piece are impossible to ignore. Over time my work has become more dramatic in its simplicity.
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
Everything in life is inspiration, the sun rising over the horizon, a storm over the lake, etc. What is different, in comparison, is the new wave of electronics, smartphones, and all these, which people are getting hooked to today. People no longer look at the beauty of things, and primary inspiration is getting lost. As an artist, I am creating sensual, attractive, and pleasing 3D sculptures which people don’t need to wonder what it is, what it looks like, or what it is supposed to be, but enjoy and be inspired.
“Vagabonde” Cast Bronze by Jean-Jacques Porret.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK FITS WITHIN SOCIETY IN OUR PRESENT TIME?
Unfortunately, people no longer look at the beauty of things, and inspiration is getting lost. My sculptures are sensual, attractive, and pleasing to the eyes and touch. People don’t need to wonder what it is, what it looks like, or what it is supposed to be or to look like. I plan to continue doing more of what I’m doing in creating.
WHEN LOOKING BACK, WHAT ARTWORKS COME TO MIND THAT MOST RELATE TO YOUR LIFE STORY?
There are so many artworks that are sensual and pleasing to the eye, even to the touch, artworks that one wants to be able to live with, such as H Moore, F Leger, Giacometti, Etrog, Ramseyer, Miro, Pomodoro, and even today’s sculptors as T Crag, F Benton, Chiilida, Botero, etc.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
I remain independent, not be influenced by others, and create my own path. It’s rather difficult not to be influenced. As said earlier, I met many great sculptors of the 60s, 70, 80,s and was influenced by them back then, but not anymore. I constantly need to be very careful and reject being influenced. I create my own style, my own path. I make it out of my imagination.
“Songe Matinale” Cast Bronze by Jean-Jacques Porret.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
Starting from a series of sketches, each out of my imagination creates an attractive, sensual, and pleasing image to the eyes. I make my own style, my own path out of my imagination. I then create the sculpture in clay, ensuring the three dimensions remain as visualized in the sketches. A new piece is never finished, as other items such as patina, color, base material, and size will need to be considered, typically taking place after the molding, wax, and casting are completed.
WHAT VISUAL REFERENCES DO YOU DRAW UPON IN YOUR WORK?
Focus on abstract 3D figures in space and time, achieving true motion and emotion.
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS?
Always, but they take time.
Visit this artist’s website and discover more art by our Star Of The Week Artist!
www.jjporret.com
