Beauty, Fragments and Re-Think

To understand art and art form, you sometimes have to understand the artist. I found this to be very much the case when I began to look into the works of the sculptor, Blake.

Blake creates figurative art telling three different stories: Beauty, Fragments and Re-Think. Beauty is exactly that. These sculptures cast mainly in bronze are of the male or female form. The poses are expressive, full of emotion and yet a fantastical calmness embraces you. Models are requested to pose for at least two hundred hours. Blake captures and replicates their beauty through his own eyes. Traditional figurative Blake sculptures explores notions of idealised beauty.

Michelle

More of this collection can be seen on 'Sculptureblake'.

In the collection titled 'Fragments', you see a change in style and mood. Blake expresses and demonstrates his political feelings towards war. These pieces are indeed fragments of bodies and although this may sound macabre, they are some of the most poignant pieces of art I have ever seen, without the sense of vulgarity. The mystery behind the seemingly perfectly destroyed figures lures you to want to see and to know more. They actually represent victims of landmines, a cause very close to Blake's heart. He supports an organisation called Clear, where landmines are cleared and through education, a one time war zone becomes safer and more habitable. Blake donates 75% of his profit to this cause. The collection represents hope because a difference 'is' being made.

Butterfly

Enjoy the complete Fragments collection.

To use Blake's words, the third collection is 'politically charged' and 'reThink' is exactly that. It stimulates and raises awareness to human rights issues that we tend to shy away from. The pieces in this collection are powerful, yet true to form, still very moving. It invites you to explore and 're-think' situations that we take for granted, such as our freedom. The burning Buddha video carries a strong message of not just situations as is but of real hope with the need to make a difference.

Burning Buddha

See more of the 'reThink' collection.

Through his creations, Blake's sculptures speak louder than words.

Before the interview, I asked Blake about the process of creating the pieces called 'Fragments' and of the emotions that must have aroused within him when having to destroy each piece. He tells me that no artist wants to destroy his work but alas with a hammer and chisel, that is exactly what he does. He believes that this is his moral contribution to making a better world. In 2007 his collection was viewed at La Galleri in central London. See the BBC Article about Blake.

Blake

Having left Canada to continue his studies, he never returned to his home country to reside. For the first time Blake makes his journey back with his collection of sculptures to exhibit for the first time on home ground. He will spend the rest of 2010 touring with his work and continuing his causes.

I will be delighted to meet him back in Monaco early next year, where he sets to work on a new collection. I happen to know that this collection will be just as beautiful as the rest and his message will be equally strong. I will say no more, except 'Watch this Space'.

Read more about Blake