Randall Shiroma

Randall Shiroma has both pioneered and mastered the use of terrazzo as a sculptural material. Terrazzo is an Italian method in which various-sized chips of marble are set in concrete, cut, shaped and finally polished. Shiroma creates his organic abstract forms in an additive technique, similar to the way a ceramic sculptor might work with clay. Shiroma actually did use clay for much of his early work, but switched to stone and terrazzo because of it's durability, and the fact that it does not need to be fired in a kiln. The size of many of Shiroma's terrazzo pieces would be prohibitive if utilizing typical ceramic techniques. Shiroma uses various colors to symbolize different natural elements. His choice of marble gives the terrazzo warm, earthy tones, giving his work a sense of ancient organic timelessness. Shiroma will often use blue and green patinas to represent water. He feels a great connection with water, which he attributes to having grown up in Hawaii. After studying Indian culture, Shiroma says, he was inspired to create sculptures representing a connection to the earth. Shiroma maintains studios in Hawaii and California. He has studied and exhibited internationally. The Muse, terrazzo panel and eroded salt, 28x29x8 The Promise, terrazzo on panel, 48x85 Sipapu, terrazzo, 45x9x10 Vessel, terrazzo, 16x46x9 Song of Whispers I, terrazzo, 19x11x5 Song of Whispers II, terrazzo, 26x16x7 Song of Whispers III, terrazzo, 24x12x7 Keeper of the Flame, terrazzo, 76x51x39