Contemplating Jester from the collection of Leno Family Collection

Viewing artist Terence Larson Clear context

Contemplating Jester, 1995

Welded metal

Signature: on base, TL 95

Inv: 2025.14

In Storage

Welded metal sculpture by Terence Larson. Larson was a highly skilled industrial welder who worked in the shipyards of Seattle from the 1960’s until his retirement in 2010.* While building ships and raising a family, he also created an extensive output of sculptures in welded steel. Rather than abstract designs Larson’s work consists of recognizable figures, usually in some familiar pose or action. Using an acetylene torch Larson built a frame for each figure from thin steel rods, and then melted layers of steel around the frame.* The pieces were not cast in molds, but created with the welding torch. His subject matter is often political or social commentary. Some pieces might even be called political cartoons in steel. But his themes also incorporate personal vignettes, religion, and ideas from classical and Norse mythology. They often display an irreverent sense of humor, and usually skewer some foible of contemporary society or human frailty.

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