Gold introduced a novel approach to graphite sculpture, presenting it as a fresh contemporary medium. Her unique casting process, initially devised for an early kinetic drawing machine in 1991, became central to her artistic practice. This method allowed her to create intricately formed solid graphite sculptures, which quickly became her distinctive signature style.


DRAWING MACHINE “XLV”

“A Million and One Drawings”

Solid graphite, stainless steel rod, rockite base

29” x 8” x 7.5”

Lisa Dawn Gold © 1992

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“When I was a young artist, the only person I remember working with graphite in a non-traditional way of just drawing was Ursula Von Rydingsvard.  It was only called to my attention by a Soho gallery owner where we both exhibited in the early 90’s.    Ursula had dusted her large wooden sculptures with graphite powder.”


     “Globe Draw” in 1991 was the first  early drawing machine that had me come up with this method which ultimately became a breakthrough medium to work in.”


     I’d ventured into making intricately formed sculptures out of solid graphite, it was really a natural evolution of my work.   Necessity was definitely the mother of invention.  I’d simply wanted to form something that I found to be prohibitively expensive the way pencil companies did it, - so I had to come up with another way. 


     In 1991 when I came up with this method, it was long before technology made anything close possible.  Recently, looking at using newer technology, I found it still can not do what the hand is capable of.


     Today, 33 years later there are a few other artists who have come to appreciate graphite itself as a sculptural medium other than just a tool to draw.

First Graphite

Early Kinetic

“Globe Draw”

LISA DAWN GOLD

© 1991 -92