The third prize in this month’s “Bedtime Stories” exhibit went to Josh Band’s terra cotta sculpture, Egg Man. Juror Judy Greenberg said the sculpture’s form was both visually interesting and well-executed, working from all viewing angles and giving off a surrealistic quality. We asked Josh to tell us more about the piece.

What was the inspiration for Egg Man?
Josh: I wanted to add a twist to the classical figurative sculpture that I was working on so I decided to create the Egg Man.

What would you like viewers to get out of the sculpture? Did you have a story in mind when you made it?
I would like to have the viewer wonder about the sculpture, to think why a man would be emerging from an egg. Either to laugh or to be challenged.

Is it part of a series? If so, how has the series evolved since it began?
Since this piece was well received, I am inspired to create the Egg Woman.

What materials did you use for Egg Man?
The sculpture was made using and firing terra cotta clay.

What draws you to sculpture? Do you work with other media or materials?
I love the three dimensions of sculpture, seeing the planes, angles, points, etc. I watch my pieces become alive. It is a great feeling.

What is your artistic process like? How do you keep your work fresh?
I still am learning and love the creative process.

Is one technical element most important in your work?
To get the right proportion from each viewpoint.

Where do you see your work going next, or what are you working on now?
I would like to continue experimenting with different ways of presenting figurative sculpture with the intent of giving the viewer an object that will bring joy to their life.

You can find our interviews with other award winners from this exhibit or past shows here.