Driftwood, Clay and Organic Sculpture by Toni Tan.

Aligning with nature, element and myth.

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You can see some of my work at the beautiful Ironbound Gallery in Camden, Maine.

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Water Over Fire

There was an expression back in the sixties, “Just when I figured out where it’s at, somebody goes and moves it.”

 

Water Over Fire, the 63rd Hexagram in the I Ching, Book of Changes, reminds me of that saying. It represents accomplishment, in Chinese: Chi Chi — “After Completion”. The pot of water is on the stove, over the fire. Order tames the chaos. All is well. But, it requires vigilance.

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The yin-yang nature of things is one foot in chaos, one in order.

 

All processes are alchemical, with things in flux, and seeking balance is a constant. Too little tending, the fire might die. Too much flame, and the water might evaporate. Fire gave man great power. Learning to use steam pushed us forward in our evolution and industrial revolution. One slip of a lit match and a brush fire burns down acres of precious trees.

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One thing for certain, something will happen.

That’s life. Water Over Fire.

Your active participation is required.

 

 

My Work As A Running Narrative 

My work is as connected to the environmental landscape as it is to our dreams and myths. Organic materials, like driftwood have their own journey too, transformed by time and turbulence. Once its in my hands, I listen for its stories. Our collective stories. Each piece emerges as artifact, though it is a celebration of organic form.

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https://tonitan.zenfolio.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/watersofmarch

https://www.instagram.com/water_over_fire

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