| D. D. Mason Sculptures |
| Artist's Profile |
My interest in art evolved long ago, as I attempted to “capture” the shapes,
textures, and behaviors of beloved pet chickens, ducks, etc. on paper, with pencil
or paintbrush. This fascination continued into adult life as I majored in ethology
(animal behavior) at Purdue University – illustrating research papers for both my
major professor, and myself.
Scratchboard became my medium of choice in the 80’s, as I taught classes,
participated in major mid-western wildlife art shows, and was honored by several
one-woman shows in galleries and the Wichita Art Museum. In ’92, a friend
introduced me to sculpture – and I was hooked! Workshops with many well-
known sculptors over the past several years , coupled with an intimate knowledge
textures, and behaviors of beloved pet chickens, ducks, etc. on paper, with pencil
or paintbrush. This fascination continued into adult life as I majored in ethology
(animal behavior) at Purdue University – illustrating research papers for both my
major professor, and myself.
Scratchboard became my medium of choice in the 80’s, as I taught classes,
participated in major mid-western wildlife art shows, and was honored by several
one-woman shows in galleries and the Wichita Art Museum. In ’92, a friend
introduced me to sculpture – and I was hooked! Workshops with many well-
known sculptors over the past several years , coupled with an intimate knowledge
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of anatomy and behavior, provided the groundwork for my current artistic passion. As always, animals
continue to provide the inspiration for my work. Sculpture is almost magic; how else could I enjoy a
Blue-footed Booby dancing in my living room?
In my sculpture, I attempt to combine a high degree of anatomical accuracy with an aesthetically
pleasing composition. What is most important to me, however, is that my work convey my deep respect
and appreciation for the subject. I frequently inject a touch of humor into my work, hoping to make the
viewer smile - while at the same time conveying the message that the animals are not that different from
us in many behavioral respects. The ethologies (behaviors) of animals have long been a source of
fascination for me. I hope my work will inspire a similar interest in others.
continue to provide the inspiration for my work. Sculpture is almost magic; how else could I enjoy a
Blue-footed Booby dancing in my living room?
In my sculpture, I attempt to combine a high degree of anatomical accuracy with an aesthetically
pleasing composition. What is most important to me, however, is that my work convey my deep respect
and appreciation for the subject. I frequently inject a touch of humor into my work, hoping to make the
viewer smile - while at the same time conveying the message that the animals are not that different from
us in many behavioral respects. The ethologies (behaviors) of animals have long been a source of
fascination for me. I hope my work will inspire a similar interest in others.