Glenn Downing

Lives and works in Waco, TX, USA

Artist statement

I was born and raised in a rural area outside of Waco, Texas. Even though I have traveled all over the world I have returned to Waco and live close to where I was bought up. My father was a farmer who started a street paving business so I began my life doing all sorts of manual labor. I worked alongside men with little or no formal education; men who grew up using their hands and got where they were in life by just working themselves to death. These men were a little bit crazy; they approached life on their own terms. They were individuals; not always correct in their talk or their manners but willing to get the job done and get on with life. As I got older I became one of those men. Don’t expect poetry here. Expect rust, dancing, sarcasm, sensitivity, sharp edges, raw spots, droppings, animals, trash, nature, humor, rambling, pretty colors, ugly things, ink, duct tape, tears, jazz, strangers, junk piles, marks, scenery, goop, fear, red wheels, memories, jewels, plastic, head shapes, dust, and a list of shit that keeps going but my work is really about one word: Emotion Making sculpture is a physical thing and that’s what I enjoy about the process. I use materials in a direct way and don’t try to cover up my construction methods. I want these pieces to be raw and emotional and profane; throw in everything and the kitchen sink. When I draw I am interested in creating a collage of life with memorable imagery evoking range of emotions. I strive to keep a unfinished quality...

Artwork