The “SERIES X” works are an extension of the earlier “P.D.F.” series, which were inspired by the paintings of Piero della Francesca. The current Series X initially came out of the wax sculptures of Medardo Rosso. During the years in between I worked with supports made from fabricated aluminum, fabricated wood, found wood, found objects and materials, corrugated plastic and works on paper, but at one point I understood that I needed to return to wax.

Medardo Rosso’s wax works are monochrome with the difference in color resulting from the variety of waxes he used. So I began with solid blocks made from clear, refined, bees wax, or raw brown, unrefined wax. I made several blocks of each using the two waxes. The blocks were intentionally kept plain and simple with the only variations coming from the way the wax adhered to the mold. But being a painter, it wasn’t long before I needed to add color, so I started by adding oil paint to the liquid wax before I poured it into the mold, which was soon followed by adding paint to the outside of the solid block.

My purpose in making these objects is to create a place where one can go to have a brief moment of respite; a subtle shift into neutral; a place where everything else disappears or goes away. In this space there is an exchange of energy coming from me, through the work, where one can be refreshed, and experience the calm of being complete.

Stuart Arends. April, 2026