Momentum Artist: Mike Hill

Mike Hill, Norman

www.mikehillartworks.com

Mike Hill, Self Portrait II, Iron, Silica, Resin, Paper, 9"x4"x1"

Q: What was the concept behind your Momentum artworks?

Mike Hill: Concerning Self Portrait II:

This piece is a response to readings about other contemporary figurative works that move the domain of figural sculpture beyond the confines of the physical body to include interaction with the surrounding world, space and energy. A lot of layers are occurring with my thoughts on figurative works: elements of nature, combined with the post-human body, and process, all being exposed to the viewer in a Zen-like experience. The sand around the figure sets up a relationship with the life force from which it was created. Sand was the source of the figures life and thus they are shown together in harmony.

Concerning Inner Self:

In exploring my sculptural practice, Inner Self is the outcome of my frequent meditation upon interacting with materials. Using plaster, bamboo, wood, and plastic, I create a portrait that is engaged with my line of site.  I am interested in how the viewer will engage with this piece, by means of their own line of site, as well as the inner dialogue between the viewer and the piece.

Mike Hill, Inner Self, Plaster,Plastic,Bamboo and Wood, 42"x8"x11"

Q: Explain the technique and/or process you used to create your Momentum works.

Hill: Concerning Self Portrait II:

The initial figure for this piece was sculpted in plasticine and then molded and cast in wax as to be rammed in a resin bonded sand mold and then cast in iron using an iron casting furnace called a cupolette. The portrait is a photo copy of a self-portrait and then cast in resin.

Concerning Inner Self:

A plaster casting was made from a rubber mold for the skull portion of the piece. Bamboo was then held in place while a fast setting plastic was cast into the sockets of the skull. At the end of the bamboo are two wooden spheres were set into place. The spheres are painted pink in color, to represent living tissue and are the relative size of a human eye. 

Momentum OKC opens March 4& 5 with live music, performance and visual art by 97 young Oklahomans.  The exhibition remains on display until March 8 at 311 S Klein, OKC. Learn more or buy tickets here.