Stanley Greaves: Speaking about my own work can be considered a “conflict of interest”. The reason for choosing it is because it is a work constructed from several pieces of wood instead of being carved form a single block, as is the tradition in Guyana. One advantage of this method is that changes can be made easily. And a form can become very complex if this is wanted. The theme is related to the Crucifixion but I did not give it that title in order for the viewer to make his or her own assessment. I personally like to do constructions because of the range of options available, as in the use of different materials. Winston Strick’s constructions are a perfect example of this.
Akima McPherson: I’m not sure I understand why discussing one sculpture from scores of artwork you have done over your long career is termed a “conflict of interest”. Standing Figure technically distinguishes itself from most sculptures within the National Collection in being a work arrived at through an additive mode rather than the subtractive mode. Guyanese sculptors typically subtract material from a mass, by that I mean carve away/remove wood from a wood mass to arrive at form. In this instance, you have approached the work through an additive process – adding pieces to arrive at the final form. Perhaps yours is the
