Behind the Art
John Trotti examines hidden meanings in sculpture.
As a sculptor, John Trotti (CFA’07) knows that behind every piece of three-dimensional art are assumptions based on preexisting knowledge, emotions, and actions. “It’s not necessary to initially know those reasons,” he says, “but having the intent to explore and build upon them from project to project will hone the artist’s efforts and result in balanced, cohesive, and self-sustaining worlds.”
Trotti’s own work is about exploring organic shapes through proportion and composition. “By using such references as the human body, I have decided to stretch and push and pull forms into exaggeration until I find something I think is visually stimulating,” he says. “Retaining the image of a recognizable creature is dictated by the give of the particular medium and whatever interesting new shapes I find along the way.”
“Art is most successful when it’s built upon a visual structure and a physical method,” he continues. But Trotti is quick to point out that art isn’t rigid or scientific. “I also do not mean to imply that art can’t be spur-of-the-moment. However, even randomness has predefinition, and even free associations have associations.”
Trotti’s featured art was selected by the BU Art League, a student-run group based in the College of Fine Arts school of visual arts. The organization helps undergraduate student artists learn more about the art world outside the classroom. The Art League tries to build a strong community through monthly meetings, exhibition opportunities, and a monthly newsletter. For more information, contact league founder Anne Albagli (CFA’08) at anniea@bu.edu.
Vicky Waltz can be reached at vwaltz@bu.edu.