PNWS is preparing for two sculpture shows: the Home and Garden show Feb 22-25 at the Portland Expo Center. https://www.homeshowpdx.com/
and Shapes that Speak, the title of the April PNWS group show at the CAVE gallery in Vancouver, WA. https://artatthecave.com/
I’ve been trying to grasp what the show title refers to, then it spoke to me, some things can only be said through sculpture. Given their silence and undeniable presence, we sense there’s a story of multiple perspectives. As we share our presence with the presence of this other creation, it becomes part of our story, our experience. Some sculpture can bring the “empty” space around it to life. We know there’s truth to the invisible elegance around an artwork. An artwork with the richness of multiple stories can bring our minds into our personal complexity. The title itself, Shapes that Speak could have multiple meanings. It’s easy to imagine sculpture that features a mouth or has text to be read, but there’s an opportunity to be heard in a deeper more personal way with your submitted art. What is your message, your unique perspective?
Sculptures have a silence that speaks. Reach for that paradox. A simple experience which seem insignificant, can be beautiful, if we bring our perceptions forward, and listen to that silent voice. As artists we practice caring for small, strange things of questionable value. When it doesn’t make sense to care, the practice of care, becomes most important. Even as we discovery new relationships and new forms, our discoveries can hang in the balance between meaning something or perhaps nothing, significant or random, a coming together and coming apart simultaneously. Both and neither. It’s okay if this doesn’t make sense. Explanations are over-rated. In sculpture there is a knowing without words.
The Pacific Northwest sculptors January meeting was at Leslie Crist’s house in Gladstone, OR. While I don’t know what any of the art will be at the April PNWS show Shapes that Speak, I asked myself what sculpture from our group could represent the nebulous concept of the show title, and my mind landed on Leslie’s art. 
These are unique forms. Often when people see something new, they’ll scramble to make an association to a known form, like some weird guessing game. But these sculptures by Leslie are truly unlike other things, having their own singular voice. It’s not words… it’s form, it’s the materials, it’s the balance between elements, and it’s plain to see Leslie’s very personal care in them.
We are explorers finding new meanings through art. The world within us and the personal perspective each of us has, can add more meaning and beauty to our lives. It’s always a net gain when each of us pursues this exploration. Today I’m spotlighting Leslie’s sculpture, but let’s see yours next. We look forward to seeing your art. Sculpture is your voice. We want to hear your Shapes that Speak.
+++Andy Kennedy, President PNWS