Cold Gaze by Todd Richardson 44J

Todd Richardson

I am naturally drawn to faces and the human experience and use that as a starting point for an exploration of the intersection of Person and Place. As a sculptor working in clay and cast concrete, my work explores this relationship, merging human forms with authentic landscapes to reflect both our deep connection to and exploitation of nature. As an advocate for wilderness conservancy, I grapple with the tension between exploration and exploitation, between our instinct to roam and our tendency to consume. Wilderness is both a playground and a refuge—a space for sport, discovery, and renewal, but also one increasingly under threat. My sculptures embody this paradox, depicting figures that emerge from, dissolve into, or are shaped by the landscapes they inhabit. Through my work, I question how we define the best use of our land and resources. I seek a balance between human presence and environmental stewardship, challenging viewers to reflect on their own role in nature’s survival. My sculptures stand as reminders that we are not separate from the land—we are shaped by it, and in turn, we shape its future.