KQED Spark - Viola Frey


Summary

Viola Frye, a sculptor, creates massive clay sculptures with hundreds of figures over two decades despite physical challenges. She works in her home studio with assistance, finding solace and meaning in her art. Frye explores themes of gender roles and powerful female icons, transitioning from ceramics to fine art by creating 'junk pieces' from found objects. Her work reflects a diverse range of influences, showcasing her deep dedication to working with clay.


Viola Frye's Monumental Sculptures

Viola Frye creates massive sculptures from clay, handcrafting hundreds of figures over the past two decades.

Daily Routine in the Studio

Viola Frye's daily ritual in the studio, working with assistance due to physical challenges and strokes she has faced.

Physical Challenges and Accommodations

Viola Frye's increasing physical challenges and the accommodations made to support her in continuing her work.

Work in Viola's Home Studio

Viola Frye finds solace and meaning in her home studio where she works with Sam on upcoming pieces for a show in New York.

Passion for Working with Clay

Viola Frye's deep attachment and dedication to working with clay, emphasizing the importance of clay in her artistic process.

Working on Multiple Pieces

Viola Frye's process of working on multiple pieces simultaneously due to the tedious nature of the work, preferring to have several pieces in progress.

Monumental Scale Sculptures

Viola Frye's shift to producing monumental scale sculptures about 20 years ago, cutting figures into sections to be fired and painted.

Influences and Themes in Viola's Art

Exploration of themes like gender roles and powerful female icons in Viola Frye's work, as well as her prolific and diverse artistic output.

Fine Art World and Junk Pieces

Viola Frye's transition from the ceramic world to fine art, creating 'junk pieces' from found objects representing societal elements.

Viola as a Collector

Viola Frye's penchant for collecting objects and reassembling them into art, drawing inspiration from a variety of cultures and influences.


FAQ

Q: What type of sculptures does Viola Frye create?

A: Viola Frye creates massive sculptures from clay, handcrafting hundreds of figures over the past two decades.

Q: How does Viola Frye handle her increasing physical challenges in the studio?

A: Viola Frye works with assistance due to physical challenges and strokes she has faced.

Q: Why does Viola Frye prefer working on multiple pieces simultaneously?

A: Viola Frye prefers to work on multiple pieces simultaneously due to the tedious nature of the work, opting to have several pieces in progress.

Q: What themes are explored in Viola Frye's work?

A: Viola Frye's work explores themes like gender roles and powerful female icons, in addition to her prolific and diverse artistic output.

Q: How did Viola Frye transition from the ceramic world to fine art?

A: Viola Frye transitioned from the ceramic world to fine art by creating 'junk pieces' from found objects that represent societal elements.

Q: What inspires Viola Frye's art?

A: Viola Frye draws inspiration from a variety of cultures and influences, utilizing her penchant for collecting objects and reassembling them into art.

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