Artist Jean-Frederic Batassé presents a collection of figurative stone sculpture inspired by the depth of human emotion. View more of his work by visiting his website.
![abstract carved marble head by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Witness.jpg)
“The Witness” marble, 12” x 10” x 9”
Originally from Togo, West Africa, I am a self-taught artist. From the beginning, I was interested in anything creative. Since my childhood, I have experimented with drawing, painting, sculpture—even the performing arts. At first, I worked with sculpture only occasionally. Today it is the center of my creative work.
![abstract carved marble head by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Lethargic.jpg)
“Lethargic” marble, 11” x 10” x 9”
Through my work, I try to express a minimalist aesthetic inspired by the beauty and emotion present in everyday life.
![carved marble head of a lady by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Lady.jpg)
“The Lady” marble, 10” x 8” x 7”
There is diffuse beauty in naivete, love, tenderness, hope, desire, courage and so many other feelings. I try to recreate memories of a family scene, the spirit of a passionate couple, a child’s learning, the gesture of a pose, the one-off event.
![carved marble bust of an African king by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Witness-of-That-Day.jpg)
“The Witness of the Day” marble, 15” x 11” x 10”
The primary purpose of my work is to share the emotion generated by this beauty which is fundamental to happiness, to daily well-being or simply to taste the moment.
![abstract carved marble head by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Hamadryad.jpg)
“Hamadryad” marble, 11” x 10” x 9”
I try to keep it simple, keeping only the essential elements of the form, leaving the rest to the imagination.
![abstract carved marble head by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Without-Crown.jpg)
“Without Crown” marble, 10” x 7” x 9”
In my work with stone, I’ve learned to allow the material to determine the shape and feel of the finished work to a large extent.
![abstract carved marble head of a girl by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Girl.jpg)
“The Girl” marble, 11” x 6” x 7”
The stone has taught me to treat it with respect. I carve with love, patience and good faith for a happy outcome. Procrastination and discouraging talk are strictly prohibited.
![abstract carved marble of two faces, back to back by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Two-Faces.jpg)
“Two Faces” marble, 11” x 9” x 7”
There is an old West African idea that has become my credo, “Enrich me with your difference.” This means that whenever you encounter a new situation—whether with another person, place or thing—you put together all the different aspects of the situation—your knowledge, your understanding, your love—to build something good.
![abstract carved marble head by Jean-Frederic Batasse](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-True-Witness.jpg)
“The True Witness” marble, 15” x 9” x 6”
As I continue with my experimental approach to working with stone, I find the need to stay mentally and emotionally present at all times. Much like prayer or meditation, I can feel the time spent in the studio increasing my self-knowledge and resiliency as well as my carving skills.
![Artist Jean-Frederic Batassé at work](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/JFB-cropped-500px.jpg)
Artist Jean-Frederic Batassé at work
So, for now, I try to learn the lessons the stone has to teach me, and look forward to whatever the future holds in store.
Artist Jean-Frederic Batassé invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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