In the mid-80s Patterson initiated development of a series of fabricated bronze sculptures titled ‘Unbroken Connections’.  With the series Patterson embarked on an ancestral journey during which he demonstrated an ability to persuade sheet and wrought metal into enigmatic forms with a command rivaling that apparent in his past sculptures hewn from wood, stone and clay.

 

The catalyst for much of this series of work was centered on his concern with the traditional sculpture-pedestal relationship where the pedestal typically serves as a large monolithic volume on which sculptures are displayed. As the 'Unbroken Connections' series evolved Patterson derived graduating solutions to challenge, test and oppose this long established construct.

 

With Patterson’s departure from the traditional pedestal design approach, the sculpture-pedestal relationship becomes more homogenous; volume is removed from pedestal and afforded to the sculpture creating visual and spatial balance.


Fire for Biko (Cauldron Element & Acoustic Sphere) - 1990, Uni-constructed Bronze with Patina
Fire for Biko (Cauldron Element & Acoustic Sphere) - 1990, Uni-constructed Bronze with Patina
Still Life for Abbey (Detail) - 1985, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 34” x 78”
Still Life for Abbey (Detail) - 1985, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 34” x 78”
Still Life for Abbey - 1985, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 34” x 78”
Still Life for Abbey - 1985, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 34” x 78”
Shadows from the Past - 1986, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 48” x 82”
Shadows from the Past - 1986, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 48” x 82”
Water for Mandela - 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 9’ x 3’ x 7’
Water for Mandela - 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 9’ x 3’ x 7’
Water for Mandela (Detail)- 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
Water for Mandela (Detail)- 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
Water for Mandela (Detail)- 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
Water for Mandela (Detail)- 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
Water for Mandela (Detail)- 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
Water for Mandela (Detail)- 1987, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
When Liza Rise - 1988, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 40” x 22” x 82”
When Liza Rise - 1988, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 40” x 22” x 82”
When Liza Rise (Detail) - 1988, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
When Liza Rise (Detail) - 1988, Fabricated Bronze with Patina
Montgomery Bus Stop - 1989, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 10’ x 10’ x 10’
Montgomery Bus Stop - 1989, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 10’ x 10’ x 10’
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Fire for Biko - 1990, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 12’ x 10’ x 12’
Fire for Biko - 1990, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 12’ x 10’ x 12’
Fire for Biko - 1990, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 12’ x 10’ x 12’
Fire for Biko - 1990, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 12’ x 10’ x 12’
Fire for Biko (Cauldron Element & Acoustic Sphere) - 1990, Uni-constructed Bronze with Patina
Fire for Biko (Cauldron Element & Acoustic Sphere) - 1990, Uni-constructed Bronze with Patina
Still Life for Abbey (Detail) - 1985, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 34” x 78”
Still Life for Abbey (Detail) - 1985, Fabricated Bronze with Patina, 36” x 34” x 78”

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