Danny Mattijetz

Artist / Sculptor

Glendora, California

www.dtmattijetz.wix.com/aspect-sculpting

Artist statement

Early in my sculpting career, I created figure sculptures in stone and used clay maquettes for design and structural details. Once the stone sculptures were completed, I reused the clay for new designs, but it was always difficult to destroy these models because of their artistic value. After working with the clay for several years, I started hardening it to make its final shape permanent. Wanting a distinctive and lasting finish, I chose a faux-bronze paint that contains bronze material. The resulting finish appears to be true bronze, but without the great weight and cost associated with a cast metal sculpture. I also added color later on with acrylic paint. Since there is no mold, each sculpture is an original and no two alike.

The focus of my work has always been the human figure. I love the way the muscles and bones work together. Subtle bulges and dips, when represented properly, bring the individual pieces to life and draw the viewer’s eyes around the sculpture. Creating a human body with delicate hands and face is an iterative process for me. For this reason, clay works best for the task. If I take a little too much off, I can always put a little bit back on again. As I continue to build my body of work, I have reached a degree of accomplishment in quality and skill that I can share with the world.