These ceramic figure sculptures represent the enigma of the human spirit. I am interested in depicting the internal power each of us has inside of us to do something, some undetermined thing. Our ability to act whether we choose to or not, for better or for worse, is part of what makes us human. My sculptures visually depict the potential of decision-making, the fearlessness to move or bafflement at the need to take action.

My ceramic sculptures usually stand alone, they are individuals and each are different. Recently I have chosen to make figures with an added element, the vessel. I added the vessel after a trip to Guatemala and viewed the ancient terra cotta figures there. One humble yet powerful figure held a simple dish with a solemn and meaningful expression of hope. I use the vessel figuratively with these sculptures. My figures wrestle with the choice of how to fill their vessels. I want people to look at these sculptures and recognize a piece of themselves, some human characteristic, emotion, or dilemma.

                                                             Shaune McCarthy