Modeled Clay/ceramic

“ A MAN AND A WOMAN ”


Acrylic paint on ceramic

 Approx. 24”H x 16”W x 8”D


We know that within every man lies a female aspect, which is called `anima`. Likewise in every woman there is a male aspect which we call `animus`. The patterns for the male and female aspects within a person are laid down predominantly by the example of masculinity and femininity through a person’s parents. But some contribution is through one’s peers, even to some extent, through careers. So . . . a person is born with certain tendencies, which were inherited or even brought over from a past life to slightly complicate things a little further. (Did you say a past life?)

This sculpture of a woman/man is displayed on a revolving base, with the female side usually facing outward. People are immediately attracted to the ceramic piece, in love with the expression and the colorful acrylic patina. But when spun around, the “hidden” cigar-smoking gentleman on the opposite side is revealed. It always evokes a chuckle of surprise from the viewer.

Stages of developing the coloring. 

 “ THREE-PART HARMONY” (wall sculpture)


2006Ceramic and mixed materials


“….we are one; insofar as you identify yourself with the consciousness that moves and lives in your body, you’ve identified with that which you share with me. And on the other hand, if you fix on yourself, and your tradition, and believe you’ve got It, then you’ve removed yourself from the rest of mankind. .”

From "An Open Life - Joseph Campbell in Conversation With Michael Toms"


Certainly the central cigar-smoking character in the middle, compared to his companions on either side, emotes an expression of determination. The two outer characters sing to the depths of their souls, to summon their courage to face difficult choices. Courage, also known as fortitude, is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation. It may be "physical courage" — in face of physical pain, hardship, perhaps one’s own mortality; or the determination to convene the spirits of "moral courage" so as to do the right thing. It may be in the face of shame, scandal, apathy, be it personal, or in national leadership. When the time comes, most of us hope we have what it takes to act, to indeed, do the right thing.


 Approx. 27” L x 12” H x 6”D

“While Visions of Hope Danced Round In Her Head”

Ceramic/mixed material, approximately 14”h x 10”w x 4”d

“ Glimpse of the Future”

 “Drawn to the Center” 21” dia. Metalic bronze glaze 2006 


“. . .As its title implies, John Fink's ceramic [wall sculpture] ''Drawn to the Center'' focuses its energy in the opposite direction, using snaky shapes, floating figures and swirling fragments to symbolize centripetal force. . .” 

Art Review, NY Times ; Sculptures That Don't Fit the Traditional Definitions, from the exhibition “Dimensions” Art League of Long Island By HELEN A. HARRISON Published: January 22, 2006



John comments: Many of us long to have our lives “on center”, on balance as it were. Occasionally we get a glimpse of what it would be like when all of the swirling things within our lives seemed to be aligned and “it couldn’t be more perfect?” Some would describe it as heaven on earth. In so many cultures (other than our own) the snake is a positive image: shed its skin, it periodically and literally transforms itself. Symbolically, the snake has life lessons for all of us. 


“ Peace and Not Peace”

Mixed media, bronze glaze on ceramic

21” dia. 



Detail

“Three Godesses and a Man”

Bronze glaze on ceramic

21” dia.



Detail

“Celestial Travel”

Acrylic paint on ceramic

21” dia. 

“Celestial Travel” (detail)

“Celebration”

Acrylic painted ceramic

Approx. 24”H