Kristen Hoard started her journey into metal sculpture at The Crucible, an industrial arts teaching facility in Berkeley, California.

"My journey into artistry has been in parallel with my spiritual journey. And, I believe these two things are inseparably linked in numerous ways. The feeling I get from working with metal and all the processes involved is all consuming. There is great sensuality in working within this genre, because visually, heat brings out differing colors, shapes and textures that transform simple object into art."

"My work has been greatly influenced by Pablo Picasso and Alexandra Nechita along with a host of other artists I admire. I enjoy creating images that are playful and fun and whimsical. With some of the found object pieces, I simply allow the various shapes to take form and create an image on their own. I think some of my best pieces have been created from scrap metal."

"I suppose, if I had to cite a philosophy behind my work, I would say the power is in expelling negative physical energies, letting that flow out, into and then away from the work, with the ultimate result being a positive piece that has made it's journey into existence, much like we all have."

Artist Highlights

• ArtWanted.com Gallery:    Fine Art