The Inner World of Dan Woodard
After many years as a scriptwriter and director, Dan Woodard began channeling his creative energies into his love of sculpture. “In doing so,” Dan says, “I drew from my own subconscious and my interest in the worlds of archetypes, myths, and rituals to create both abstract and figurative pieces. My figurative sculptures are not based on models, photographs, or actual persons. Instead, like my abstract work, they arise from memory, imagination, my inner world, and a spontaneous interaction with a variety of materials.”
This week we talked with Dan about his work, available on Artfinder, and what makes up the rest of his inner world:
1. Why do you make your work?
Wow, that’s an easy question. I make my work because it’s fun. I know that’s not a very intellectual answer; but, in reality, I just really enjoy creating art. Even if a piece I’m working on brings up hard emotional issues for me, the bottom line is I still find pleasure in creating the work itself. The therapeutic aspect of creating is a bonus.
2. How did you choose or land on the mediums you use now?
Well, I work in several mediums including bronze, wood, and clay. But the medium I first worked with was cement. As I eased into retirement, I wanted to begin sculpting since it has always been the art form to which I feel most connected. I wanted to make something for my yard, so it had to be durable and able to withstand the elements. I also wanted an affordable medium. Cement seemed to fulfill all of my criteria. Over the years, I’ve developed several unique ways of working with and finishing the cement so as to extend the possibilities of what can be accomplished with this simple and seemingly mundane medium.
3. What are you presently inspired by?
What I’m inspired by seems to vary on a day-by-day basis. I’m currently drawn to surreal and abstract cityscapes. In these pieces I hope to contrast the hard reality of man-made structures with the soft beauty of nature.
As a rule, however, my inspiration always comes from my inner self. In fact, many, if not most, of my ideas come to me while meditating.
4. Other than your art practice, what other work do you do?
I’m very fortunate in that I’m retired and don’t need outside work to support myself. My spare time is spent gardening, both edibles and non-edibles; biking; hiking; reading; and building furniture for the house. It’s a good life.
5. What are your current artistic influences?
My work is very eclectic, and I typically find myself working on several divergent series at any one time. My influences are thus many and varied. I continually expose myself to the work of a variety of sculptors and often incorporate ideas into my own pieces. I don’t, however, have any specific artists whom I’m influenced by.
6. And finally, what's your least favorite color?
Hummm... I’ve never thought about this. I guess I don’t really have a least favorite color. But if I was forced to, I’d say that a muddy puke green would probably suffice.
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