The figural sculpture of Jill Lareaux describes the intimacy of the human experience. The language of her sculpture is bold, secretive, tender, spiritual, light, dark, hopeful and questioning. It is a mixture of the thoughts we keep to ourselves and the strengths we wish to embody. She depicts the powerful and the powerless. The one who imagines a different tomorrow and the one who tends to the roots of mankind.

     A Lareaux sculpture may range in height from 4 to 52 inches. They begin as hollow forms built by hand (from the bottom to the top) using slab and coil construction techniques or are sculpted from wax, later to be cast in bronze. She prefers a high-refractory cone 4 clay formula that adapts well to a variety of firing methods. Many works are raku fired, an ancient and primitive-style of firing in which the glowing red-hot sculpture is pulled from the kiln, thrust directly into a bin of combustible material such as leaves or sawdust and left to burn and smolder. Each work may be fired as many as three or four times. This particular clay body also works well with the addition of polyester fiber (a strengthener) in the construction of large scale sculpture.

     The surface of the clay is often finished with a variety of patinas such as metal oxides, pure color pigments, glazes, slips (engobes) and metallic lusters. The firing method may also add flashes of pattern and color. A final layer of wax is added to the surface for protection and additional depth of color. The result is an organic, tactile and time-worn surface. Each finished work is then carefully mounted on a pedestal base made of wood, stone (granite or marble) or steel.

     Many years of practicing figure drawing has deepened her understanding of the human form, yet she prefers to work conceptually and does not generally work from live models. Her methods are experimental, instinctive and contemplative. Each finished work commemorates the material, process and philosophy by which it was conceived.

     The Peachbelt Studio and Gallery is honored to display Lareaux's original sculpture made by a strong hand and a strong heart.