Musings
2005 23” x 29 x 15 bronze edition of 39 available
In 1982 Phelps began exploring formal and psychological aspects of breaking the ground plane with his figurative sculptures.
His early work was strongly tied to his memories, experiences, and feelings having grown up on a family farm on Roberts Island, California.
Threatened with floods, drought, and solitude as a youth directed his aesthetic development as an adult.
The early work broke the ground plane; Large scale figures appear to emerge from the ground.
Musings continues this exploration and takes it one step farther. With this piece, Phelps creates the illusion of two different surfaces; solid and liquid. The figure appears to sit on a solid surface while one leg hangs in the water; and one hand seems to be dipping into the surface, testing the water.