ANDY MOERLEIN:
Moerlein’s work has a storyteller’s attitude - that tightrope walk between naturalism and symbolism. Ceramic birds fill branches and stones with a communication that is evident yet ambiguous. Some snuggle together; others turn their backs to each other. The birds seem ordinary - an embodiment of stillness - frozen in place. Yet each conveys a gesture that implies movement. These birds are prone to startle and fly at any moment.
Moerlein’s birds are a mix of authentic and exceptional. Real feathers festoon the rather generic small birds. Wood “stones” and complex branches complete a scene that suggests the interruption of an event. “My birds are steeped in presence. I express my human story with small birds as actors.”
"Triplets"
2018 wood, ceramic, 46 h x 24 x 24”
The staccato pacing.
Of three notes.
Repeated looped succession.
Three friends jaywalked.
Three more followed.
Chance patterns locked.
Like shadows of yourself.
2018 wood, ceramic, 46 h x 24 x 24”
The staccato pacing.
Of three notes.
Repeated looped succession.
Three friends jaywalked.
Three more followed.
Chance patterns locked.
Like shadows of yourself.
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"Dirge"
Wood, ceramic birds, 18h” x 24w” x 24d”
Heartfelt sensation.
Like Opera.
It’s not about the story.
Wood, ceramic birds, 18h” x 24w” x 24d”
Heartfelt sensation.
Like Opera.
It’s not about the story.
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"Serenade"
Wood, ceramic birds, 24h” x 16w” x 16d” The romance of a moment. “Please listen to me my love.” |
"Perfect Pitch (Marriage)"
Wood, ceramic birds, 18h” x 24w” x 24d” A duet that hovers on the delicate edge of harmony. A balance that is robust yet quavering. A melody that needs devoted attention to stay tuned. |
"Pageantry "
Wood, ceramic birds, 80h” x 16w” x 16d”
A grand display.
Regal and dignified with a touch of playful.
Dress up day for lovers.
Wood, ceramic birds, 80h” x 16w” x 16d”
A grand display.
Regal and dignified with a touch of playful.
Dress up day for lovers.
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"Whisper "
Wood, ceramic birds, 80h” x 16w” x 16d” We can talk.” Sweet words shared in a moment of understanding. |
"Edge"
Wood, ceramic birds, 9h” x 8w” x 8d” Every relationship has this. We pause together. On the edge. |
"Chance "
Wood, ceramic birds, 8h” x 6w” x 12d”
An Unexpected meeting.
A fleeting opportunity grasped.
What a moment!
Wood, ceramic birds, 8h” x 6w” x 12d”
An Unexpected meeting.
A fleeting opportunity grasped.
What a moment!
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"Harmony" (Partnership)
Wood, ceramic birds, 60h” x 16w” x 24d” We are an island. A Team. Two melodies tuned. |
"Topsy"
Wood, ceramic birds 30h" x 24" x 24”
“More than whisperings of music.
More than light airs and recollected tunes of these most brisk and giddy-paced times.”
Karl Mertz. 1890
Wood, ceramic birds 30h" x 24" x 24”
“More than whisperings of music.
More than light airs and recollected tunes of these most brisk and giddy-paced times.”
Karl Mertz. 1890
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"Counterpoint"
Wood, ceramic birds feathers 80h" x 32" x 32”
Distinct relationships and groupings that follow a theme,
repeat and differentiate with occasional errant but harmonious deviation.
A family dynamic.
Wood, ceramic birds feathers 80h" x 32" x 32”
Distinct relationships and groupings that follow a theme,
repeat and differentiate with occasional errant but harmonious deviation.
A family dynamic.
