Head Series Statement

I refer to these larger than life size heads-as “psychological profiles” or “Snapshots” of the human condition. This new work incorporates a wide range of expressions, including denial, contemplation, greed, anger, joy, pleasure, pain, frustration, sorrow and confusion. The expressions on each face are combined with a mechanical mouth, similar to the mouth on a ventriloquist’s dummy.

Over the years my work has been influenced by a wide range of artists. Recently I have been intrigued by the work of Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736-1783). In graduate school at Alfred University, I did my thesis on the writings and research of Jean Dubuffet and what he called “Art Brut”. The New Image paintings from the late 70s and early 80s also impacted my art, in particular the work of Phillip Gustin. My undergraduate work at Kansas City Art Institute in the early 70s introduced me to the Folk art and self-taught art of the south and the mid-west. The directness and the urgency of this work captivated me. Throughout my career I have always been equally interested in folk art and the art of indigenous peoples as I am interested in mainstream art.

— Stan Welsh, 2005


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