#11 Martin Puryear (b. 1941)

Untitled
1995
Wire mesh, steel, tar, cedar, particleboard
Overall: 87 × 49 × 24 in. (220.98 × 124.46 × 60.96 cm)
​VMFA

USE THIS LINK FOR A HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE - AS YOU DRAW, LOOK CLOSELY AT THE DETAILS OF THE MATERIALS AND THE LEVEL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP 

From VMFA: "Puryear’s abstract sculptures, while often simple in shape and materials, are richly allusive. This combination of qualities links him to a group of artists loosely called Post-Minimalists. The dark, monolithic form of this piece suggests a colossal head or a primitive totem, although its asymmetry and its vessel-like quality recall organic forms like seedpods or gourds. Puryear finished the piece—a metal grid overlaid with squares of wire mesh—with a coating of tar. The coating defines the sculpture’s massive form, but viewers can peer into the piece and out the other side."

“What I’m interested in is work that has a myriad of associations but is also extremely pared down.” 
​ —Martin Puryear

Use this link to learn about Martin Puryear and to view more of his work:  Martin Puryear @ Matthew Marks Gallery

Watch this video:

Complete the following: 

1. Choose a work of Puryear's to sketch, beyond the primary thumbnail you have already completed.  Feel free to look at images beyond those provided on the included website.  Include the credit line info. 
2.  List the important facts about Puryear's life, work, and his inspirations (so that you can better understand the content of his work and what makes him the artist that he is).
3. Explain your thoughts about his work and how you might be able to draw inspiration from it.