Beauty in Sculpture
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
There are seven forms of art. Each with its own effects on one’s feelings and emotions. For today, we’ll be diving into the visual art of sculpture. We are fortunate to have a facility in our community dedicated to bringing bits of culture into our lives. The Clear Lake Arts Center does just that.
Sculpture represents many aspects of our society and are thus excellent for symbolism. They can convey emotions, ideas, and concepts in many different ways. Choice of material, technology, and even its form, bring each viewer an experience.
Back in primeval times, ancient civilizations often created sculptures on a monumental scale. They used carving and casting as a way to express their religious commitments or to memorialize their rulers.
Today, it’s more of the expression of the artist.
If you’re looking to add a bit of culture into your life, the Clear Lake Arts Center has just the thing! Their Sukup Lakeside Courtyard and Sculpture Garden is open 24/7 for visitors to appreciate the sculptures. Since its start in 2019, this outdoor display of rotating exhibits has been a place for artists to showcase their work.
And right now, there are some incredible pieces for you to enjoy!
Beatrice by Steph Jones
Steven’s Point, Wisoconsin
“My sculptures explore the complex interplay between the female form, societal politeness, manners, and morals of past eras. By using cement and found objects, I aim to create a raw and textured surface that embodies the gritty reality of the past while simultaneously reflecting the beauty and grace of the female form.”
Twist by Jon Kamrath
St. Paul, MN
Inspired by a lemon and lime twist, this whimsical sculpture explores balance, color, curves and visual motion. The clean twisting lines create a dynamic effect, enticing the viewer to walk all the way around the piece and rewarding them with a new view every step of the way.
Full Sail II by Jon Kamrath
St. Paul, MN
This abstract sailboat uses a strong contrast between dark, distressed steel components and bright, clean aluminum panels. The organic feel of the steel, juxtaposed with the vibrant motion ground into the aluminum creates a striking visual, constantly changing with the position of the sun or viewer.
Greeting Tower by Sunghee Min
Roseville, MN
“Greeting Tower” is a vertical sculpture made of steel and stainless-steel plates. The sculpture’s shiny reflective column contains 320 small triangle plates that are welded together and form a texture. This method is similar to quilting in that small pieces are joined together to cover a larger area. This motif is inspired by sunlight reflecting on undulating water. The shape and concept are inspired by ancient totem poles of various cultures. Totem poles are erected in public places to serve as symbols of ideas.
Wind Reeds (at Central Gardens), Unfurl and Where the Wind Blows by Pedersen Metal Design
North Mankato, MN
Sculptors James and Ryan Pedersen are a father/son collaborative team who create welded constructions in relief and free-standing form. The combinations of steel, brass, and copper are used in most designs. The earthy colors and textures are achieved through welding, cutting, grinding and heat-treating these materials. The finished artwork illustrates their combined passion for the outdoor environment as an artistic selection of these elements with a stylized approach that is related to various interpretations of the modern landscape.
Pictured below: Unfurl
Back Channel by Dan Perry
Waterloo, IA
“The imagery in my work is an amalgamation of the familiar and the abstract composed in ways that tell a story to which the viewer becomes a witness – part of a scene; a moment suspended in time. I draw inspiration from natural, architectural and mechanical objects while utilizing vibrant color to accentuate forms and spaces. Shifts in scale and perspective challenge the viewer to question their physical relationship to the world around them and contemplate their surroundings. I believe in form, invention, and objects well made.”
Fire: Sea Spririt by Robert Sunderman
Ames, IA
“Fire: Sea Spirit” is an abstract stainless-steel sculpture that was inspired from forest/prairie fires and sea fish, such as dolphins or large fish surfacing out of the water. I wanted to combine the two movement energies created from these two very different forms from nature. It is about upwards movement in a simple clean beautiful form. It is about imbalance, flow and an unknown spirit of the moment. A small model maquette was first made and then CAD scaled drawings were done so that the individual pieces could be cut out. The various shapes were constructed from 3/16” thick stainless-steel sheets and were cut using a water jet system. The individual shape forms were shaped with a large metal machine roller and the different sections were then welded together.”
Fun Fact: This sculpture has withstood two derechos.
The Sculpture Garden is open each season from May 20 – October 20. A call for artists is sent out in advance. Each artist can submit up to 3 pieces for consideration. A jury of committee members scores each piece, with the highest scores being invited to the exhibit. Often times, these artist pieces are for sale. If a sculpture is sold, it does remain in the exhibit until completion. At that time, the owner can have it installed at their home.
The Arts Center is always looking for jurors. If you have a passion for sculptures, reach out to Executive Director, Jessi Myers, at info@clearlakeartscenter.org.