Juxtamorphic Art

Q: What the heck is Juxtamorphic art?

A: I have coined the term “Juxtamorphic”, (from the Latin “Juxta” meaning close or nearby and the Greek “Morph” meaning shape or form) to describe a body of work I have been developing for some time which uses information from natural objects as its vocabulary.

This artwork combines forms, textures, and images taken directly from Nature using molds, impressions, photographs and holograms. By presenting Earth’s heritage in different materials, in new contexts, and in a higher concentration, I hope to arouse a stronger aesthetic response than would occur upon exposure to the separate objects alone. My intent is to make works of art that are essentially abstract, which extend the internal logic of their component parts to the organization of each work, and that present a unified appearance with a certain organic integrity. I look for combinations of form which are visually striking in themselves, endeavoring to use visual rather than intellectual criteria.

My applications of this idea began with bronze castings, and although I continue to work in bronze, I have also created Juxtamorphic work in other metals as well as ceramic, gypsum cement, cast paper, stamped leather, holography, and computer-manipulated photography. I enjoy making sculptural pieces that function, and have built tables, walls, fountains, jewelry, and other functional items. I have developed a new sculpture technique, “Sculpted Paint”, in order to produce pieces that are colorful, strong, and cleanable, and that accept the incorporation of diverse items.

by Andrew Werby