Breaking the Mold: Four Sculptors

Four artists pushing new methods and ideas in sculpture: Susan Budge, Kurt Dyrhaug, Phillip Shore, and Todd Van Duren.

Susan Budge works with ceramic forms often surreal in appearance. Her interest in illusion, mythology and psychology drives her inspiration, but her new work is influenced by the mechanics and symbolism of the oil industry. Budge is Professor and Head of Ceramics and Art Metals at San Antonio College. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows as well as public and private commissions. Her work is represented in Rockport by Austin Street Gallery.

Kurt Dyrhaug earned his Masters of Fine Art Degree in sculpture from the University of Minnesota (1993) and his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in printmaking from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1989). Kurt is an Associate Professor at Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, where he currently teaches graphic design, sculpture, and drawing. He has lectured and exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums nationwide.

Phillip Shore is Associate Professor of Art at the University of Dallas, and received his MFA from The University of Notre Dame. Shore has exhibited in solo and group shows all over the country. His work explores hand gestures along with natural and made-made forms that create a symbolic and thoughtful landscape all his own.

Todd Van Duren can be found at many well-known fairs throughout the country, including the Texas Clay Festival, Bayou City, Fiesta Arts Fair and more. Many of his ceramic sculptures are inspired by organic architecture and are populated with his signature bird silhouettes, but his subjects often extend into the whimsical, the absurd, and the paradoxical.