Artist's Statement J.P. Leclair Several years ago, I came upon the work of Joseph Cornell. It was in his collage/assemblage masterpieces that I discovered the language of "stuff". I was completely overwhelmed by this technique of juxtaposing unlikely objects that speak their own language and nourrish the soul through paradox, ambiguity, and mystery. This art form became the vehicle by which I could venture deeper into the realm of ideas. Today, those ideas are conceived from a collection of strewn objects in my studio workshop. They take on a life of their own. I merely toy with them, arrange and rearrange them, make them talk and let them go. Each completed artwork conceals as much as it reveals. The destiny of the planet has always been a grave concern of mine. Have we put too much distance between ourselves and the natural world? Have we created a world in which we are not fit to live? My work is always characterized by certain intent. My intent is to have the viewer step back, pause, and reflect on the state of affairs as it pertains to human activity vis-à-vis this awe-inspiring gift of creation which has been entrusted to us. |