JUSTIN M ZIELKE

I often find myself caught between two frames in a video, reflecting on the moment when clay takes on human qualities. When we think of time-based media, we tend to focus on the overall experience if offers and justify feelings by isolated moments. This duality mirrors our own approach to life experiences.

The nuance in people's perception inspires me. We, as finite beings, partition space to shape our identities along a timeline. Yet, we remain infinitely adaptable, sculpted by an intricate collection of impressions that we present to the world.

My work melds the traditional artistry of figurative sculpture with the dynamism of stop-motion animation, magnifying the transition from inert clay imprints to sentient forms. I often present my creations as videos, accompanied by sculptures that freeze pivotal frames. These pieces visually blend the tactile qualities of clay with the virtual aspects of digital spaces, emphasizing the defining moments in an ever-evolving self-definition.

stop motion video and bronze. 2022
37x70x34"

Nuance in Repetition is permanently located at SCAD's sculpture garden in Lacoste, France.

video, resin infused quartz silica. 2022


Created by aligning five sculptures at different stages of the sculpting process to form a walk cycle.

video, FGR. 2024