Artist Statement
Duncan MacDiarmid feels a connection to the land. The grit, moisture, light, and emotion that binds our human experience. This interest took him first to the sculptural figure and portrait. Eventually these representational forms wove themselves into works that evoke a particular sense of place within our environment. These pieces incorporate a variety of materials that later evolved into artwork that comments on our global, human to planet relationship.
Beginning as a collaboration with fellow SOS Pittsburgh/Society of Sculptors member, Saige Baxter, Duncan undertook a six-year project to construct Firetree, a 24-foot-tall steel sculpture that is rich with details formed in copper and other non-synthetic materials. A child’s sense of whimsy is found within this artwork. There's playfulness and fantasy seen in its design, however through symbolism, Firetree imparts a message to all ages about human life within our finite, planet habitat. We need only stand with naked feet upon the soil that surrounds us to realize that we rest undeniably within an extraordinary planetary ecosystem.
Beginning as a collaboration with fellow SOS Pittsburgh/Society of Sculptors member, Saige Baxter, Duncan undertook a six-year project to construct Firetree, a 24-foot-tall steel sculpture that is rich with details formed in copper and other non-synthetic materials. A child’s sense of whimsy is found within this artwork. There's playfulness and fantasy seen in its design, however through symbolism, Firetree imparts a message to all ages about human life within our finite, planet habitat. We need only stand with naked feet upon the soil that surrounds us to realize that we rest undeniably within an extraordinary planetary ecosystem.
“Firetree infuses the excitement of fire into a playful, thought-provoking sculpture,
that challenges our global community to achieve the extraordinary.”
that challenges our global community to achieve the extraordinary.”
As Duncan works, narratives evolve alongside his sculptures. These "stories" ultimately become short, written descriptions that accompany each exhibited work. This artist wants the viewer to understand the ideas and thoughts that were present as he constructed each piece. From one individual to another, from maker to observer, each artwork presents a window through which one might glimpse some aspect of this world and the human experience it affords us.
Duncan’s artistic explorations began as a child in Philadelphia. In 1965 an overturned coal bin covered with wallpaper became his workstation. Using scraps of wood, a saw, vise, and hammer, he began building. He has since created public and private sculptures for libraries, churches, and universities in bronze, terracotta, and polymer materials. After moving to Pittsburgh in 1988, he has operated a small sculptural tile company, worked as an art handler, taught sculpture, and partnered to raise three wonderful children. Today, Duncan lives and works in a hillside studio, overlooking Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood and the Allegheny River.
Duncan’s artistic explorations began as a child in Philadelphia. In 1965 an overturned coal bin covered with wallpaper became his workstation. Using scraps of wood, a saw, vise, and hammer, he began building. He has since created public and private sculptures for libraries, churches, and universities in bronze, terracotta, and polymer materials. After moving to Pittsburgh in 1988, he has operated a small sculptural tile company, worked as an art handler, taught sculpture, and partnered to raise three wonderful children. Today, Duncan lives and works in a hillside studio, overlooking Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood and the Allegheny River.
Duncan, with Firetree canopy under construction, holding the SunStar, summer 2018.
I will always be amazed by the generosity of friends, family, neighbors, and new acquaintances
who embraced the seed of an idea and then creatively worked to grow it into a powerful reality.
who embraced the seed of an idea and then creatively worked to grow it into a powerful reality.
THANK YOU