Lot 303
Patrick Amiot (Canadian, b. 1959). Tattered American Flag with Thirty-three Stars. Mixed media sculpture, n.d. Unsigned. A weathered American flag emerges in rugged relief in this mixed media wall sculpture by Patrick Amiot, its torn edges and irregular surface evoking the passage of time and the resilience of a well traveled banner. Constructed from layered materials and textured surfaces, the flag appears worn and frayed, as if shaped by wind, weather, and long use. The composition retains the traditional structure of the American flag with its thirteen stripes, yet the canton contains thirty three stars rather than the modern fifty. This unusual star count recalls an earlier period in the nation's history, when the United States was still expanding westward. The detail lends the work a historical resonance, suggesting the era of frontier exploration and the growth of the American West - a subject closely associated with Amiot's broader artistic interests. Size of sculpture: 10.1" W x 6.5" H (25.7 cm x 16.5 cm); of frame: 19.5" W x 15.5" H (49.5 cm x 39.4 cm)
The surface is intentionally distressed, with rough textures, small punctures, and uneven edges that give the flag the appearance of a relic preserved after long exposure. The red, white, and blue fields are rendered with tactile depth, creating a sculptural interpretation of a familiar national symbol rather than a flat representation. Amiot's practice frequently transforms salvaged and industrial materials into expressive sculptural forms, and this work reflects that same spirit of reinvention. The flag's battered character suggests a history embedded within its surface, turning a widely recognized emblem into an object that feels both historical and handmade, with the quiet gravity of something that has endured.
About the artist: Patrick Amiot is an American sculptor known for his vibrant assemblage sculptures created from salvaged and discarded materials. He lives and works in Sebastopol, California, where his colorful, larger than life figures have become closely associated with the artistic identity of the town. Amiot collaborates with painter Brigitte Laurent, who completes the sculptures with detailed and expressive painted surfaces after Amiot constructs the forms.
Originally trained as a ceramic sculptor, Amiot first gained recognition through gallery exhibitions of his clay works. During this period he began searching for new directions in his practice, in part due to the practical challenges of transporting fragile ceramics. His growing fascination with found objects led him to experiment with sculpture assembled from everyday materials such as scrap metal, hubcaps, water heaters, and discarded industrial fragments. What began as informal experimentation soon evolved into the distinctive style for which he is now known.
A turning point occurred when Amiot constructed a large fisherman sculpture from a salvaged water heater and installed it in his front yard. The unexpected enthusiasm from neighbors and visitors encouraged him to pursue this approach further. His sculptures celebrate the hidden histories of the materials they incorporate. Amiot often speaks of the "spirit" of the objects he collects, noting that items such as hubcaps or metal panels have traveled long distances and lived useful lives before being transformed into art.
Today Amiot's brightly colored figures appear throughout Sebastopol, including installations along Florence Avenue where numerous sculptures stand in front yards and public spaces. Subjects range from fishermen and farmers to animals, musicians, and whimsical characters drawn from everyday life. Their scale, humor, and vivid color have made them widely recognized landmarks within the community.
Beyond their artistic impact, Amiot and Laurent have also contributed to local fundraising efforts through projects such as a community calendar featuring photographs of the sculptures. Proceeds from the project have raised significant funds for local schools. The artists continue to expand their studio practice in Sebastopol, working toward the creation of a larger space where sculpture and community engagement can coexist.
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA Collection
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#201353
- Condition: Mounted behind glass in custom matte and frame, but appears to be in excellent overall condition. Suspension wire on verso for display. Unsigned.
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