Susan Hagen: Social Studies

I have a deep interest in the human condition and in all of the subtle manifestations of its beauty and perversity. Much of my recent work has involved studying the unique attributes of individuals and defining features of a community—and I’m interested in everyone from the most heroic to the most troubling representatives of humanity, including soldiers, adolescents, criminals, the homeless and other misunderstood, under-appreciated or marginalized people.

My sculptures are made primarily of carved wood (burned, bleached or painted), which is combined in some cases with mixed media. I see my work in the context of narrative wood sculpture: medieval European altarpieces, German Expressionist sculpture, Japanese Kamakura sculpture, and American folk art. These visionary wood sculptures inspire me with their truly articulate form and pure expression of pain, joy and other emotions.

Though my techniques are mostly traditional, my desire is to explore human reality and socio-political themes through my experience as a woman in contemporary America. – Susan Hagen