Almost
Whole is a large sculpture which combines architectural forms,
with more organic forms. It seems to force the issue of surface and
entrance through a volume of surface. There may be more metaphorical
references which a viewer may experience.
Royden
Mills is a sculptor who believes that sculpture can provide a physical
experience which no other thing in the world can do in quite the same
way. A diploma in architecture, a Masters degree from the University
of Alberta, working for Anthony Caro, living in Japan for 2 years,
all have contributed to the artist's strengths.
I
believe that a visual art work should stand alone. It may convey a
feeling or a meaning which should move people without a printed rational
word. I am delighted with the way that Beethoven, or Mozart, can evoke
feelings which are so powerful without any narrative. A piano can
be played in such a way that one can be reminded of a thunderstorm,
or of optimism, or of sorrow, and though sculpture can never be quite
as abstract as music, there are things which it can do that nothing
else can do. I believe that sculpture can provide a physical inspiration
for the viewer which may inform the viewer about their actual physical
existence. Any object may carry a referential charge, it probably
will remind us of something else which already has made an impression
on us. But the sculpture which can transcend this reference to become
itself is something special. It becomes something worth being with.
It becomes a reminder of ultimate possibilities. I feel that the best
art is about human liberty. Abstract art is a form of liberty which
can remind us all of potential, and possibilities which are just a
little beyond what we have seen so far.
Royden
Mills, 2001
