John McQueen’s extraordinary works have been described as “hovering, with great humor, in the gap between craft, sculpture and Conceptual art.” – Gerald Mead.
His sculptural forms acknowledge the rich tradition of basketry by manipulating organic materials such as bent, tied and woven willow branches, harvested from his own property. Richly textured and layered wall pieces are expertly transformed into figurative images or narratives from layers of colored birch bark found on the forest floor. McQueen masterfully discovers the potential of any substance, awakening our awareness to natural materials that are usually ignored and often discarded. These remnants are deftly constructed with a myriad of textile techniques, incorporating ancient art forms with contemporary issues and concepts. Each object is transformed into a unique and vibrant work of art with imagination, wit and brilliant execution.
“His virtuoso craftsmanship and the conceptual underpinnings of his work merge to remind us that skill is subservient to meaning in artwork that nourishes both the eye and the intellect.” – Gerald Mead
| Materials | Willow, thread |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4” x 24” x 12” closed, 68” in length when open |