An Interview With Sculptor Mark Yale Harris

08 Dec An Interview With Sculptor Mark Yale Harris

A wonderful read from an interview with sculptor Mark Yale Harris, conducted by Hether Berringer, Director of Greenberg Fine Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, resulting from Ms. Berringer’s interest in finding out more about his work and what motivates this award-winning artist:

H. Berringer: “How did you get to where you are, and what motivates you?”

M. Harris: I don’t necessarily know where I am and it is that exploration that continues to motivate me. I believe that it is the same drive that inspires other artists as well. I do have purpose; it is my purpose, and desire, to express through sculpture and emotion, and to explore the unknown and the familiar, distant and near and to record it with the eye of a child. Any beauty, be it of the flesh or otherwise, provokes an emotional response on behalf of the viewer. Sculpture is my absorbing interest.

H. Berringer: “What is your favorite piece?”

M. Harris: The one that I am currently working on at the time.

I recently re-read the biographies of Eric Gill (British 1889-1940) and Jacob Epstein (British American from a similar time period). Epstein mentored Henry Moore. Their work, along with the work of Archipenko, Brancusi, Picasso, amongst others, has had a strong influence on me.

My work originates in stone, Marble, Onyx and Alabaster. Gill and Epstein were The originators of what is know as the “Direct Carving Method” (a way of carving that causes the artist to work directly with the material in front of them with limited use of a maquette or plaster model). In doing so, the artist allows the material to guide them in the creation of the work. Working in this way enables me to translate my visual interpretation of what I am thinking and have experienced. It is the process of emergence and releasing the figure from the stone. I am also influenced by non-western carving such as African, Oceanic and Indian (which provide a touchstone in the pursuit of sensuality unattainable by puritan senses). I use distortion to express sensuality.

H. Berringer: “How did you get to where you are?”

M. Harris: Reflecting on my life; I have always seen things a bit differently from the norm. Maybe it is the fact that I am left-handed. I have the ability to think “out of the box”. This was demonstrated in my business career as well, with my strengths showing up in the creation of products and companies that responded to consumer needs that were unmet at the time.

Early in my childhood I received training in Music (piano).
I summarily dismissed this training at age nine much to the dismay of my mother so I could play sports. I believe that that early music education embedded in me my appreciation for the rhythm of line, which manifests itself in my work.

My primary drive is to interrupt the human experience. I also create unique animal forms.

H. Berringer: “Why?”

M. Harris: In the words of Jacob Epstein (when describing his work as a portrait artist), “I must sometime turn to and make a living like other persons and not indulge to much in strange and unrealized longings and desires.”
This quote speaks to my motivation. Many collectors appreciate animal forms. My animal creations are unreal, abstracted, and have a humorous character to them consistent with my fascination with rhythm, and are intended to provoke a warm response on behalf of the viewer.

My full time career as an artist began over fifteen years ago. Prior to that it was an avocation. I have been fortunate to have some wonderful mentors, and great guidance that has resulted in the success I have today.