Sculpture might be called my "second language" after having first enjoyed a 40-year career planning and designing architectural interiors. Perhaps because of this, the underlying concepts of design, balance, tension, color and expression are inherent for me, allowing them to flow seamlessly.
My artistic mode of expression is specifically steel sculpture—the strength and durability of the material versus its surprising liquidity and malleability fascinates me. I want my art to speak for itself from my feelings to the viewer's emotions. Therefore, I work primarily without a preconceived plan or concept, as the outpouring of absorbed experience plays a major role in guiding my hands and achieving their goals. I might say it's almost spiritual.
Admittedly, there are times when practicality and conceptualization, pre-drawings and maquettes are important supplements to working by pure instinct. For example, the criteria of a corporate client, a public venue, an architectural setting become an integral addition to the design process. Guidelines create exciting challenges too.
"Bereishis", Hebrew for 'In the Beginning', was self-inspired by spiritual principles upon which my religious affiliation built its covenant with its congregants many years ago; Worship, Community, Learning, Responsibility and Commitment. My vision was to create one common sculptural form that could be modified to express the differences among the principles while retaining a sense of their cohesiveness. Hopefully, the viewer will bring his/her own emotional interpretation of the figures to the viewing—perhaps Wisdom, Compassion, or Celebration? The spiritual response is intended not for the eye of the beholder but to resonate instead for the soul of the beholder.
Artist's Comments
My artistic mode of expression is specifically steel sculpture—the strength and durability of the material versus its surprising liquidity and malleability fascinates me. I want my art to speak for itself from my feelings to the viewer's emotions. Therefore, I work primarily without a preconceived plan or concept, as the outpouring of absorbed experience plays a major role in guiding my hands and achieving their goals. I might say it's almost spiritual.
Admittedly, there are times when practicality and conceptualization, pre-drawings and maquettes are important supplements to working by pure instinct. For example, the criteria of a corporate client, a public venue, an architectural setting become an integral addition to the design process. Guidelines create exciting challenges too.
"Bereishis", Hebrew for 'In the Beginning', was self-inspired by spiritual principles upon which my religious affiliation built its covenant with its congregants many years ago; Worship, Community, Learning, Responsibility and Commitment. My vision was to create one common sculptural form that could be modified to express the differences among the principles while retaining a sense of their cohesiveness. Hopefully, the viewer will bring his/her own emotional interpretation of the figures to the viewing—perhaps Wisdom, Compassion, or Celebration? The spiritual response is intended not for the eye of the beholder but to resonate instead for the soul of the beholder.
About the Artist
After serving three years in the U.S. Air Force, he apprenticed in his field of study at various New York City firms. He opened his own architectural firm, Foresite Planning, Inc. in 1967, from which he retired eight years ago to pursue his lifelong dream to be a sculptor.
His work has been shown in many locations in the Northeast, including Salem Art Works (SAW), Salem, NY; Heckscher Park, Huntington, NY; Garrison Art Center, Cold Spring, NY; Chesterwood, a National Historic Trust, Stockbridge, MA; Burlington Community College, NJ; and City Hall, Yonkers, NY.
For more information, visit www.sculpture.org/parmet.