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red cedar and granite river stone
183 x 46 x 31 cm / 72 x 18 x 12 in
Sam Clemens graduated from the studio art program at Capilano College in 1998. This led him into an exploration of sculpture. He was raised on the west coast in the 1970's and became informed by that era's form of modernism. His father being a designer/builder would often bring his young son along on building projects. These were rugged sites off the grid, often on remote islands. A Japanese sensibility; clean lines, simplicity, and organic materials influenced these homes. This knowledge would translate into Clemens' current use of indigenous woods and stone. By reducing these common materials to simple iconic forms Sam is working to bring awareness to the values and history of this region's unique aesthetic.
Sam is currently working on a photo-based documentation of site-specific installations that incorporate light weight architectural wood structures. This project is partially a response to the permanence and weight of the ongoing bench series.
Clemens is renowned for his commissions, which he has executed for the past eight years. His work is found in many private collections throughout North America.