A New Line of Thinking Robert Schatz

“Using humble materials, such as twine and found pieces of wood, Schatz crafts intriguing objects that index his decision-making process. Beginning with no preconceived idea for form, the artist manipulates his materials intuitively, allowing their natural inclinations to manifest. A range of analogous structures exist within the sphere of human cultural production: Melanesian navigation charts, the so-called coconut fiber string “spirit catchers” of Danger Island, and quipu, that ancient record-keeping system of loops and links from the Andes. These mysterious forms, which trade equally in contours and negative spaces, fit comfortably within the ongoing dialogue of modern and post-modern sculpture. The artist’s utilization of simple, everyday items acknowledges Richard Tuttle. And like the mature oeuvre of Fred Sandback, Schatz’s pieces employ three dimensional line to heighten bodily experience.” Jonathan Frederick Walz, Curator