Rebecca Fox

rebeccafox's picture
Neighborhood: Bayview
Group Affiliation: Islais Creek Studios
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I am a San Francisco based sculptor specializing in abstract steel and bronze work with an emphasis on constructing and deconstructing the circle.

My work challenges perceptions of process and material while often utilizing positive and negative space to infer and suggest closer examinations of balance, form, shape and texture through my abstracted use of metal and patina. It explores the contradiction of material and process by transforming steel and bronze to appear soft and delicate, resulting in work that evokes contemplation, balance and calm.

Metal is a contradiction in itself; it is a hard heavy material but with the perfect combination of heat, gases and tools, it can be manipulated, melted, formed and changed. I continuously push the boundaries of the material by transforming it to appear light and delicate. I achieve this by using my various metalworking tools to heat, bend, weld and alter the material, often composing pieces that have flowing lines combined with contrasting textural elements.

A large part of my work is about the process: hiding and grinding down welds to give the piece a look of continuous flow which encourages contemplation and further investigation into the material, process and form. By applying various patinas, chemicals and finishes, I further soften the material and give the work a cohesive look and feel.

There is a very common shape that can be seen in most of my work: the circle. By manipulating the circle in various configurations, I use minimal positive and negative space to play upon tension, balance and form. The circle also helps to achieve the contrast of material vs. form by invoking a sense of continuousness, calmness and tranquility.