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  • The Museum
    • Mission
    • Vision
    • Values
    • Code of Ethics
    • Artist Compensation and Attribution Standards
    • Anatomy Set in Stone
    • Galleries + Collections
    • The School of Mosaic Environments
    • Founder Field Notes
  • The Founder
    • About Rachael Que Vargas
    • Artist Statement
    • Curriculum Vitae
  • Portfolio
    • Public Art
    • Commissioned Artworks
    • Mosaic
      • Mosaic in Marble
      • Mosaic in Glass
      • Mosaic in Bottle Caps
      • Mosaic in Ceramic
    • Jewelry
    • Sculpture
      • Abstract Sculpture
      • Figurative Sculptures
      • Kinetic Sculpture
      • Narrative Sculpture
      • Masks
    • Functional Art
      • Fences, Gates and Trellises
      • Art Furniture
      • Masquerade Bell Lanterns
      • Luminaries
    • Early Work
      • Installation Art
      • Mixed Media 1995–2001
  • Press
    • Book
    • Magazine
    • Newspaper
    • Exhibit Catalog
    • Television
    • Radio
    • Podcast
    • Websites and Blogs
    • CD, DVD + LP
  • Contact
  • Help/FAQ
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shop
    • Shop Mosaics
    • Shop Jewelry
    • Shop the Archives (Vintage Works)
    • Shop Fire Pits
    • About Hudson Valley Fire Pits
      • Fire Pit Gallery— Residential Design
      • Fire Pit Gallery— Hospitality Design
      • Fire Pit Gallery— Liturgical Design
      • Fire Pit Gallery— Custom Designed Fire Features
      • Fire Pit Gallery— Fountains + Pools
      • Press for Hudson Valley Fire Pits
      • Where to see Hudson Valley Fire Pits
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Abstract Sculpture

Abstraction plays a significant role through much of the work I’ve done, but is not generally the focus of the piece. The pieces below are largely made from found forms harvested in the scrap yard and were created to play with volume and form in a more three dimensional approach.

Fire Imps Affordable Limited Edition Modern Sculpture

Fire Imps are playful, energetic and touchable sculptures scaled to fit any home. I love the way that the shapes and colors of the Fire Imps interact in a group— like a coral reef, a modern dance troupe, a forest of fall leaves, a party or festival.

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Scrapyard Abstract No. 8 (Houses and Weather), 2006

Scrapyard Abstract No. 8 (Houses and Weather), 2006recycled steel14 x

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Scrapyard Abstract No. 7 (Islero), 2006

When I made this piece, I saw it as an animal running at full tilt, turning sharply mid-run on two legs. I love the way the tail whips around through the air and the head stretches outward, still thrust in the original direction.

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Scrapyard Abstract No. 6 (Odysseus), 2005

Odysseus lashed himself to the mast of his ship to avoid being seduced by the cries of the sirens into grounding on the shoals of a reef. This sculpture suggests all the elements of that myth to me… from some angles it resembles a ship leaning into a strong wind, from others, the bust of a head with large lips and a strong, heroic nose.

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Scrapyard Abstract No. 5 (Arbor Vitae), 2005

Arbor Vitae reminds me of music in some ways, referencing both notes on a page and sort of twining piano keys. It also makes me think of a storm, or vortex, or swirling smoke. But the breakthrough idea came when I saw it as a sheltering tree, and that sort of pointed me in another direction.

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Scrapyard Abstract No. 4 (Bouche), 2005

Bouche: Scrapyard Abstract No. 4, 2005
Recycled steel.
25″ x 15″ x 11″

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Scrap Yard Abstract No. 3 (Organ), 2005

Organ: Scrapyard Abstract No. 3, 2005.
Recycled steel.
76″ x 37″ x 31″

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Scrap Yard Abstract No. 2 (Rooster), 2005

Scrappy Rooster: Scrapyard Abstract No. 2, 2005
Recycled steel.
33″ x 21″ x 12″

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Scrap Yard Abstract No. 1 (Ocarina)

The sculpture above looks a bit like a fish on the one side and a bird on the other… but what it really reminds me of are terra cotta ocarinas I’ve seen from Mexico and South America. I love the patina on it, although that will really only last if it is kept indoors. It doesn’t work especially well as a ground sculpture, but is quite lovely when displayed between waist and eye level on a table or pedestal.

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Little Colossus, 2005

Little Colossus started out as a base for Galaxy No. 3 but soon made it clear that it wanted to be it’s own sculpture. There are some photos on the studio blog from before it was painted that show some of the cool tricks it can do with light and shadow.

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