Artist Statement

David L Phelps

As an internationally collected sculptor, my work is an exploration of the connections between humanity, place, and landscape. My sculptures, whether monumental contemporary figurative artworks, or smaller, intimate pieces, invite introspection, contemplation, and meditation. 

My journey as an artist began in the fertile environment of our family farm on Roberts Island in the California delta, where the dual threats of drought and flood instilled in me an acute awareness of the natural world and its impact on human life. This early experience has profoundly influenced my aesthetic, leading to the creation of sculptures that appear to be partly submerged or emerging from the ground, invoking a sense of surrealism and reflection on the cycles of nature.

My sculptures are not just objects to be viewed; they are participants in a dialogue with the audience. They are serenely contemplative, imbued with a dry, subtle sense of humor, and designed to engage both visually and intellectually. Through my work, I aim to create a participatory experience, where the viewer is invited to complete the image, to find affirmation in images that are submerged and parched, and to discover the power of tension between opposites.

In my studio, I continue to sculpt and pass on my knowledge to interns from Oklahoma universities. My work is represented in private and public collections worldwide, and I remain dedicated to the creation of art that challenges, delights, and inspires.