Figurative Sculpture

Dayle Sundberg
Artist Statement
The song “I Hope You Dance” is an inspiring factor in my work. Working through my own bouts of depression, grief, trauma, and stressful events I found hope again through determination, hard work, friends, and art. By talking and sharing with others my experiences of depression and grief, I have had many people approach me and express their feelings of despair and fear. Some asking where they can go for help to get better. Through my experiences I have gained many close friends, an excellent support system, and developed ways for others to use art for their positive mental health journey. If I would have covered it all up and appeared normal through it all, would I be as strong as I am today? Would I be here today, would I have hope today? My art is my therapy and my way of expressing to others that they too can go through challenging events, and still have hope.

The goal of my art is to create a dialog among the viewers and to encourage them to talk about their personal losses, their illnesses, anger, family issues and stressors. Do you cover up your feelings to appear normal or do you face the feelings and uncover them? What is normal? Do you cover up a subject to cover it or should you uncover it and reveal it to others?
The artists that inspire me are all sculptors, Auguste Rodin, Alexander Calder, Manuel Neri, and George Segal. Neri and Segal are the main influence for the plaster pieces in the exhibit, after seeing the expressive qualities Neri used with his life-size female figures by using texture and bright slashes of color. I was inspired to find my own voice by using the female form.
I create my works by using the same technique of body casting as Segal and the heavy texture of Neri, however, my colors come from burning each sculpture with fabric. In each piece I burned, it became a ritual type of event, symbolic of releasing the hurt into the flames, a healing process of sorts. If you are to touch the pieces, you will feel the harsh textures and beaten areas. Hidden through the flame-colored marks are soft, subtle areas that are sensuous, smooth and indicate hope and peace that is within us all.
What does it take to hope?
Can you have hope without faith, humility, and wonder? Can you reveal your hope?
I hope you dance.

Dayle Sundberg
Exposed Hope
2018

Dayle Sundberg
Forsaken Again
2015

Dayle Sundberg
Requiem
2018

Dayle Sundberg
Willful: Or Not
2011

Dayle Sundberg
Limbo
2011

Dayle Sundberg
Directions
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Duality [Bronze]
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Cold Shoulder
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Serenity Box 2
2015

Dayle Sundberg
Kathy’s Story
2013

Dayle Sundberg
Fallen
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Broken Honor
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Contemplation
2005

Dayle Sundberg
On The Edge
2003

Dayle Sundberg
Grip
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Provenance
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Tamar’s Box
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Mirrored
2011

Dayle Sundberg
Forsaken
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Gemini
2005

Dayle Sundberg
Prevail
2005

Exhibits & Collections
Avera Missouri River Health Center and Hospital – Gettysburg, SD – 2021
Project Ms.: Assembled Reformation – Univeristy of South Dakota – 2020
Solo Exhibit – The Barn on Custer Avenue – Gettysburg, SD – 2019
Paul Nelson Farm – Gettysburg, SD – 2019
Granary Harvest of Art Exhibit – Webster, SD – 2014
Cottonwood Coffee House – Brookings, SD – 2011
Habitat for Humanity Exhibit and Acution – Brookings, SD – 2011
Brookings Arts Council Juried Exhibit – Brookings, SD – 2011
Goss Opera House Solo Exhibit – Watertown, SD – 2011
Washington Pavilion Arts Night Juried Exhibit & Auction – Sioux Falls, SD – 2010
Washington Pavilion Arts Night Juried Exhibit & Silent Auction – Sioux Falls, SD – 2008
Chasing Winter’s Blues, Horse Barn Arts Center Juried Exhibit – Sioux Falls, SD – 2006
Endless Possibilities, the SD Governor’s 2nd Biennial Art Exhibition – Traveling Exhibit, SD – 2006
Numerous Private Home Installations and Commission, SD – present
Want to start your own healing journey using art?
Work With Dayle & Check Out How
Classes and 1:1 Coaching
Why be normal any more?
I will help you express your deepest, darkest fears in a safe and creative space so you can find confidence and peace.
Mailing Address
905 East Garfield Avenue
Gettysburg, SD 57442, USA
(605) 769-0811
creating@daylesundberg.com
Open Hours
Monday - Friday: By appointment
Weekends: By appointment
Holidays: Close