Jean Jacques Porret

What themes does your work involve?

Motion in human figures

Describe your creative process.

Starting from a series of sketches, each out of my own imagination creating an image that is attractive, sensual and pleasing to the eyes. I try to create my own style, my own path out of my imagination. I than create the sculpture in clay, making sure that the 3 dimensions remain as visualize on the sketches. A new piece is never actually finished, as other items such as patina, color, base material and size will need to be considered which is typically taking place after the molding, wax and casting is completed.

What influences your work? What inspires you? Why do you make art?

I try to remain myself, independent, not to be influenced by others, creating my own path. It's rather difficult not to be influenced. I met many great sculptors of the 60s, 70, 80,s and was influenced by them back than, but not anymore, I constantly need to be very careful and reject being influenced. I create my own style, my own path,. I create out of my imagination. I make art because I love it, it's relaxing, and for the satisfaction of having created a beautiful piece of sculpture.

What are your goals and plans as an artist in 2023?

Unfortunately people don't look at the beauty of things anymore and inspiration is getting lost. I believe my sculptures are sensual, attractive and pleasing to the eyes and to the touch. People don't need to wonder what it is, what does it look like, what is it supposed to be or to look like. My plan is to continue doing more of what I'm doing in creating. Being represented by some of the great galleries around. I believe I am creating something to outlast me in this world, I need more recognition.

How do recent advancements in technology affect your art practice? How may recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (image generator software) affect the definition of fine art?

It basically did not, except in the enlargement and fabrication of an existing created 3D sculpture.

What is the role of the artist today?

Everything in life is inspiration, the sun rising over the horizon, a storm over the lake, etc. What is not, in comparaison, is the new wave of electronic, smartphone, and all these which people are getting hooked to today. People don't look at the beauty of things anymore, and basic inspiration is getting lost. As an artist creating sensual, attractive and pleasing 3 D sculptures, which people don't need to wonder what it is, what does it look like, what is it supposed to to be, but just enjoy and be inspired.

What is good art? What makes a piece of art great?

There are no clear definition of the word "ART" . Everyone have a different definition, We cannot learn to be a creator, an artist. That's something one is born with. Lots of people are trying to be artists, but they lack that little crazy item called being creative. For me it's related to "IMAGINATION". It's for the cook to use just the right amount of salt on the potatoes. Look at Jacques Peppin, the perfect artist in cooking, no cookbooks, no teleprompter, he just do it, create a meal using his feeling, his imagination. Visual art need to be pleasing to the eyes and touch, wanting to live with it.