Mark Fletcher 4155 Pond Cypress Ct., Tallahassee FL 32310
e-mail: turtlehillclaystudio@yahoo.com
website: www.markfletcher.embarqspace.com

Medium: Clay—pottery and sculpture made from high-fired stoneware and porcelain

Statement: Time spent in nature deepens creativity and awakens our connectedness to all life. I hope my art will raise public awareness and appreciation for the remaining natural places in the United States. Since childhood I have drawn and painted animals and plants. For many years I have visited parks and forests to make drawings of flora and fauna in their natural settings. My years of artistic apprenticeship in Japan vitrified my appreciation for nature as an inspirational source. My method is to draw detailed observations directly from life. Then, in my studio, I re-create my experiences in stoneware platters and vessels, sculptures and paintings. Although my work often has the feel and look of real creatures, my intent is to relate the universal stories of nature and my personal encounters. The art is sometimes metaphoric and the ideas extend beyond realism to real life. I hope my art will capture the spirit of nature, encouraging people to see and support the wonder of these plants and animals and their real habitats. These days our world is increasingly at risk, but America’s wildlife refuges and natural parks inspire folks to protect and enjoy our vital natural resources. MY ART