In this paper I would analyze of the following work of art – “Sheila and the Changing World” by Phillip Welch, who is the furniture artist of the 21st century.. The core argumentation for such statement is that the type of art, represented by “Sheila and the Changing World”, has the set of the differences from the functional art – as it has some vestigial function.
First, I would give the brief overview of the visual elements of this work of art – it is the wood-on-wood freestanding sculpture. Its size is 45 H x 46 W x 42 in. The weight of the sculpture is almost 50 pounds. The principals of design are the following: Sheila has both human and spider features - there are two human arms and six spider legs as well as face and head, her breasts and genitallia reflect the features of the human body. In addition, the sculpture has six breasts. Both genital fangs and nipple pulls are made of Ebony. The head and body of the sculpture are Cherry, dyed black. The arms and Hands and legs are Wenge. The sculpture was made by Phillip Welch in the timeframe of September 2012-February 2013 (Welch, 2013).
While discussing its medium, I would claim that in the process of creating this sculpture, the author has borrowed some skills form the experience of James Krenov’s woodworking. In addition, Phillip Welch has made a statement that anything, made by him, whether it relates to art or not, should be, first of all, the fine integrative part of the furniture, which may be furthermore used by the set of the further generations.
The subject matter in this case is that the author has emphasized on the fact that this sculpture was designed in such manner that there is no options of its further relocation. The set of the traditional joinery tools and techniques alongside with the solid woods were used by Phillip Welch for this purpose. Each integrative part of the sculpture is one-of-a-kind – in such way, the goals of beauty, precision, uniqueness and simplicity were achieved.
In the process of committing the fine lumber, Phillip Welch has done so with respect and reverence to the ancient trees, which have been sacrificed for making this work of art – as such approach was perceived by the sculptor as the only possible one in terms of representation of respectful attitude to the ancient trees - creation of the sculpture, which may be enjoyed by many generations - as a piece of art. For this purpose, the set of criteria was met by the author of the work – the sculpture was performed from the best quality materials and it represents the fundamental beauty. This is the aesthetic philosophy of the creator (Welch, 2013).
People should be integrated with the environment (rather than perceiving themselves as the masters and owners of the nature) and take in consideration the needs of the other living creatures, who need some freedom for life, options for reproduction in quantity as well as for healthy living without being damaged by the harmful effect of active human activities.
References
Welch, P. (2013) Phillip Welch, Sheila and the Changing World. Retrieved from: http://www.saatchiart.com/art/Sculpture-Sheila-and-the-Changing-World/428476/1619107/view
