Looking back at the exhibits at NCECA I found I had many pictures of sculptures depicting humans, and exploring the human condition. Some, like Viola Frey’s, were impressive in scale, color, impact.

Others, like these Esther Shimazu’s, were impressive based on attitude, detail, pose.

And others showing surreal, dreamy realities, like the above Sergei Isupov, and below by Patti Warashina. I was fortunate to be able to talk to Sergei Isupov who said the important thing he constantly strives for in his sculpture are that they have an impact from far away, and from close up. Certainly he achieved this goal.

And some pieces were interesting for political messages. These children with weapons are by Cynthia Cosentino.

Or referencing culture, history, ideology, like this sculpture by Virgil Ortiz of the Cochiti Pueblo.

And finally, this piece by Tip Toland really tipped the scales for me. It was viseral and immediate. The impact of seeing this extraordinarily realistic depiction of a naked, old woman in the fetal position in the center of the gallery made me want to look away, or at least cover the eyes of more vulnerable gallery visitors. I wanted to look away, but had to look at it. It was extreme and powerful and shocking.

What I took away from these pieces was that the attention to detail in each was so complete, that each sculpture had an impact. It made me remind myself to finish each cup, each bowl, each plate with the same completion as these sculptures, because it is every bit as important to complete the vision with consideration and attention.