One of the most common themes discovered from the interviews The Eisenhauer Gallery conducts is the sense that each artist approaches their craft through an organic process, letting their materials and experiences guide them to whatever comes to fruition. For artist Monica Wyatt, each sculpture starts with a simple piece of clay that turns into something extravagant, but never planned out or predetermined. There aren’t any models standing around her room, nor are her collection of sculptures based on anything that already exists. Instead, Monica acts as a narrator, explaining the intricacies of the profound relationships between family, friends, life and “secretes never told.” 

We had a chance to speak with Monica about her work’s background and the process involved with bringing her sculptures to life. Here is what she had to say:

Q:  Tell me about how you come up with titles for your sculptures?

Monica Wyatt: I don’t think about titling a sculpture until it’s finished. My English major background definitely comes in handy because I love words and naming a piece has to taste, sound and feel just right when saying it. One of my favorite titles, and I dare you to say it without smiling, is “Wiggle My Toes,” a voluptuous, playful seated woman. She’s pure joy and whimsy and the title is an open invitation to, well, wiggle her toes! “Learning to Fly”, “I’m Listening”, “A Secret”, and “Circle of Life” are some other favorites, oh, and “Dreamer”. I guess I’m somewhat partial to all of them!