Michael Lorsung – Artist Statement
I am interested in objects that are human made, but not necessarily hand made. I love the idea that as a species we have largely created the contemporary world that we live in and interact with on a daily basis. Our relationship to the objects that run through our lives is largely passive in so far as our thoughtfulness about their origins. Because of the ubiquitous nature of human made objects coupled with the throwaway, utilitarian culture we live in, it seems we frequently dismiss or simply never recognize the beauty in these things.
I am interested in objects that are human made, but not necessarily hand made. I love the idea that as a species we have largely created the contemporary world that we live in and interact with on a daily basis. Our relationship to the objects that run through our lives is largely passive in so far as our thoughtfulness about their origins. Because of the ubiquitous nature of human made objects coupled with the throwaway, utilitarian culture we live in, it seems we frequently dismiss or simply never recognize the beauty in these things.
My work is an attempt at giving time and attention to objects from my own life that I find beautiful; whether these inanimate, soulless things want my attention or not. I care. Be it a grain silo whose form follows its innate function is beautiful in the way that sailboats are, as is a wrench on a tool bench that bears the marks of years of use or disuse by its owner. The objects themselves are monuments to our abilities, and their ubiquitous, oftunappreciated existences serve as reminders of the hubris that we project as a materially privileged culture.
I make these objects because I truly do believe that we do not recognize how much of ourselves as humans are inside of the man made things around us. Through the process of leaving my marks, drawings, and narratives on the surfaces of these pieces I am trying to leave the viewer with the sense that the meaning in the objects is created indeed by the user, and becomes part of the object’s history, despite its inauspicious beginning as an object of pure utility or function.
Michael, Chet Geiselman sent me an email saying you were going to be the new sculpture professor at BSU this year. He said he didn’t know if you had an edu email yet, so I decided to google you. I’ve really enjoyed seeing your work online. All very strong in multiple ways. I am going to be having a show at the Ned Griner Gallery in the fall from Sept. 25-Oct. 16. I will be doing a gallery talk at the close of the show, but I wanted to offer to interact with students in any way that might seem appropriate to the sculpture and ceramic department. I got an MA from BSU in 1978 (I think) and a BS in 1971. I taught in public schools in Columbus, IN for 31 years while pursuing my work. I hope you will check out my work and keep me in mind as you plan for the new year.