or Why Would You Want to Make Sculpture Out of Potato In the First Place?

This could have various answers.. in the past I have said:

"

I began to use different and organic materials for sculpture when working at home, half-way through last year. Initially the appeal was in the convenience, the novelty, and the whimsical and banal nature of materials like potato, swede and beetroot. It was a relief from, and a contrast to the serious and weighty steel I was using in college. Working without a tradition or even a significant precedent (as far as I'm aware) in the use of these materials in sculpture, I was inventing the process as I went along. This has served me in trying to find a direction for my work which I feel happy with. "

(extract from an exhibiton statement, '94)

That's just about the gist of it. For much of the world, potato is also:

• a staple; ubiquitous, common, recognizable..
• it already has a use, taste, cost.. a history.
• it is basic, well-known and understood.

• of even texture and density, easily worked (!),
  
• of a particular scale and
  
• available cheaply, easily, year-round.

You can also cook up the offcuts for dinner.