Artist Statement                     

    For the past several years I have been concentrating on sculptural forms, in particular creating raku masks and other ceramic sculpture including altered, hand built vases that incorporate animal and human forms.
    My predominant theme is an exploration of the animal human relationship and its divergence in modern times.
    Philosophically man has separated himself from nature. It is my belief that this split that has caused so much grief in our global outlook.
    Masks bridge this ideological split by connecting the wearer with the imagery and symbolism of the natural world. In the case of my masks,
although they are not meant to be worn, they still conjure this union.
   It is my intent that the magic and symbolism of these masks  subtly involve the viewer in an altered consciousness that will lead to healing the rift between man and nature.
     

                                                                            Richard Lamartine