Munson Hunt

My sculpture begins in wood that the city has discarded. There is a focus on death and rebirth that comes with this practice. There is consideration of where the tree came from, how old it is and the provenance of material. I’m interested in what the tree lived through, the territory, the people, and the earth’s climate; all matter to me. Like a historian, pieces come together, comparisons are made between what is happening now and what was happening then: politically, environmentally, socially. The surface is a focus, whether it is charred to an alligator texture, bleached like bone, or covered in graphite or beeswax. A beautiful surface is very important, be it rough or smooth. Some sculptures are not finished until they are cast in a permanent material; such as glass, cement, bronze, aluminum and stainless steel. This process of vitrification petrifies the wood, leaving the texture and feel of wood but transformed in an alchemical change. This is a need from me to hold on to wood, to keep it from decay, keep it from changing. Though I use wood I am not a woodworker. I do not control wood, I like the decay and bug-eaten surfaces. I feel the life of the tree continues after it is cut; the living breath of the tree somehow continues, carrying all the life it lived with it. Casting is a continuation of this as well for me, for then it is impenetrable to decay.

Hunt's artwork is an exploration of form, texture, and the beauty found within natural materials, particularly wood. Her sculptures and installations stand as a testament to her deep connection with nature, reflecting themes of environmental consciousness, the cycle of life, and the delicate balance between human impact and the natural world. At the core of Hunt's work is her use of reclaimed timber. Her sculptures begin with fallen trees, giving new life to wood that would otherwise decay or be discarded. This process of reclamation is not merely practical but symbolic, emphasizing the lifecycle of materials in nature and our responsibility towards them. One of the defining characteristics of her work is the juxtaposition of the raw with the refined. Her sculptures maintain an organic, almost primal quality while also exhibiting sophisticated minimalism. The surfaces of her pieces, often charred or burnished, highlight the natural textures of wood, bringing out contrasts between light and shadow, smoothness and roughness. Her work also extends into installations where scale plays a significant role. By presenting large, nearly life-sized pieces of timber, Hunt invites viewers to engage with nature on a human scale, fostering a sense of intimacy for the natural world. These installations often carry a serene yet disquieting presence, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the impact of environmental changes.

3-D, Sculpture