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Trinity

Welded aluminum and stainless

7' x 7' x 3'

Douglas M. Gruizenga
Interlochen, MI

23rd Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition (2009-2010)

Part of the Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) Public Art Program

Images at left from a previous installation.

Artist's Comments

There are several premises that I hold to in sculpture design and construction.

It has been my assumption that, for much of our lives, we are greatly influenced by utilitarian objects created with the minds of men and women.
We have developed an affinity to the principles of composition, design, and function of man-made items.
Because each individual has a unique genetic make up, and a unique personal history, we each have variations in our interpretation of the logic of form and function.

The sculptures that I produce are an attempt to study the absolutes and variables of form. Each sculpture has a basis in actual objects that I have observed to be visually stimulating. I then vary the composition and the relationships between the design elements, in an attempt to understand the universal truths about composition and function.

Each viewer brings with them, individual experiences and understanding. It is my hope that my sculpture will be pleasing to the eye without limiting the viewer's creative ability to interpret the subject matter involved.

I enjoy visiting my sculptures after a fresh snow. There are footprints of people that I will never know, who have taken the time to observe an object that I have constructed. Each person goes on about their life with an experience, good or bad, based on their understanding of the sculpture. It is an honor to have even one person take the time to view an object that I have constructed. It is amazing to think that an indelible image of that experience is recorded forever in their mind.

Douglas M. Gruizenga

About the Artist

"I was raised in Portage, Michigan, with the goal of becoming an automotive designer. I have always been interested in all things mechanical and this extends to art. After my first semester at Western Michigan University, I transferred to the art education program. After receiving a B.A. I realized that I had only scratched the surface of what I wanted to know about sculpture. I went right on to the M.A. Studio art program at WMU.

"After graduating I wandered through several jobs that included teaching and working as a clay modeler at Chrysler. Eventually I found my niche as a Psychiatric Social Worker for nineteen years. While I continued to build sculpture, homes, boats, and cars on a part time basis. In 2003, I turned again to sculpture, which is my primary focus.

"I currently live in Interlochen Michigan where I am thrilled to be able to enjoy the student presentations at Interlochen Center For The Arts. I have two daughters, Hobie who is fourteen years old and Andrea who is 38. I consider my ability to build and share my sculpture as an honor for which I am thankful."

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