Norman Deesing

My sculptures explore the human condition. I am fascinated by the fact that we all are highly complex; we all want to tell the world who we are. And yet, we all hide behind so many disguises. I like using the female figure as a vehicle to carry our story of strength, vulnerability and tenacity more than beauty. That’s why I armor some in clay dresses or wrap the figures in rope, burlap or twine. The colors and textures are used, as all decorations are, to draw attention to the figures; however, the message behind the chaos of the materials is what is important. I work to communicate the ups and downs of the human condition which, I believe, will help us to understand, and perhaps, tolerate each other a little more.

Norman Deesing was born and raised in San Diego, California. In 1984, he graduated from the University of California at Davis with an undergraduate degree in Fine Art methods. At Davis, he studied under well known artists such as Robert Arneson for ceramics, and Wayne Thiebeau for painting. After graduation, Norman tried a wide variety of media, including graphic design, painting, printing, and photography. He began teaching ceramic sculpture in 2000. Teaching ceramic arts for over a decade at the high school level is especially rewarding to Norman as he works hard to inspire and mentor young artists, many of whom are at-risk teens, as he had once been. In addition, it has allowed for a long awaited focus on one particular art form: sculpture. He is a figurative sculptor specializing in the female form. Norman is inspired by couture, female artists such as Camille Claudel, Tamara de Lempicka, and photographer Lillian Bassman.