Daniels work revolves around notions of the self. The sculptures are a reflection of transitions and perceptions through internal and external influences. It is through this focus on the individual (the human) that Daniel’s work becomes figurative in a very abstract sense. The solitary figures of ‘It’s not me it’s you’ and ‘For what it’s worth’ express the potential for detachment, both mental and social, yet still defined by that relationship, or lack thereof, with others.
Each represents a transitional journey of the self within the context of a desire to connect or disconnect. The reflective surface act as the social mirror in counterpart to the broken revealed inner sections in ‘Dishing the Dirt’, ‘Surface and substance confused’ and ‘My outsides are in’ hinting at an incomplete journey, unrevealed whole or segment of something greater beyond. It is the surface, the individual and the self as perceived in a particular state or moment of change, reflection and self perception.
“I have decided to discard my previous formal artists statement. As a sculptor and artist I am continually reviewing and refining my output, intentions, conceptions, processes and motivations. This has lead me to reject my previous notions of what an artists statement should do and who it should be for.
I am attempting to create a physical ethos, an abstract view on my personal Zeitgeist. The sculptures are in essence the physical manifestation of the many strands of thought, not consciously hewn for a specific purpose or created to deliver a specific message, but created as a representation of my changing state of mind, the ebb and flow of influences that surround, and my desires and needs.
There are however, central themes to my work that I cannot, and do not want to escape. The desire to unclutter my mind and search for the sublime enigmatic beauty. The need to connect with others, relationships, sex, and our unavoidable demise“