My inspiration is derived from internal and external factors. In my work I incorporate everything from environmental surroundings to my deepest emotions. The various materials I use help my sculptures to take on a unique industrial form. The two major resources collaborated in my work are clay and metal. Their contrasting appearances compliment each other and often keep the viewer in state of wonder as to what the component's true identities really are. My main objective is to have the viewer focus on the different materials and to realize how well they can come together. I aim for them to see the structure as one piece. BIOGRAPHY The sculptures of Michael Joseph Hibbard are greatly influenced by the environment in which he grew up in. Michael was raised in Upstate New York where industrial architecture is displayed in abundance along with a society who lives for the beauty of art. As a small child, he was surrounded by numerous contemporary structures, from buildings to other inspiring artist's work. Michael says "I remember being fascinated by the different shapes I would see while looking out the car window and then rushing home to create Lego structures of my own; I wanted to gather all those ideas in my head and develop one big entity" These acts are what led Michael down the path that he is on today as an artist. The fascination he had with sharp edged forms as a child grew into an even larger attraction that resulted in him integrating these sharp edged forms into his sculptures today. Michael Joseph Hibbard has been creating clay pieces for five years and in the past year; he found himself collaborating metal with clay. These two mediums develop a perfect balance in his sculptures and serve as a contemporary satisfaction to the viewer's eye.