Avatar
Artist information:
Michael Grucza
Chicago, Illinois

Text voting ID: Tooltip
Up: vote26541
Down: vote26540

Michael Grucza is showing at:
The B.O.B. The B.O.B.
20 Monroe Ave Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
View profile
Michael Grucza
Artist bio: Michael Grucza is a sculptor and fine art restorer who has lived and worked in Chicago for 30 years. After receiving his BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art, he continued his sculpture studies at the University of Iowa, working with noted sculptor Julius Schmidt. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, son of a tool-and-die maker, Michael has exhibited his work throughout the United States. Highlights of recent exhibitions include an installation in Chicago's Lincoln Park as part of the 2009 Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit and participation in the 2007 "Peace Tower" project at the Chicago Cultural Center, spearheaded by renowned sculptor Mark di Suvero.




Artist statement: My object in creating sculpture is to engage viewers of all ages and interests and invite them to interact with my work. I want them to experience each piece from many perspectives and, to see their surroundings from a new vantage point inside the piece. The impulse and the time it takes to interact with a piece changes a person’s state of mind, if just for a moment. I seek to incorporate humor and a sense of play and wonder in my work. Childrens' drawings and magicians’ illusions inspire me as do primitive images found in African and Oceanic art. These influences find their way into my work through simple lines, shapes and structures, many of which include kinetic, interactive elements and bright colors. I enjoy using industrial materials in unique, surprising ways. While there is an element of lightness in what I create, I believe that humor and play in art can draw something unique and profound from each of us.
About the work:
Title: Odalisque

Art form: 3-D

Medium: Galvanized Steel

Year created: 2009

Description of work: Constructed of 1/4" hot dipped galvanized steel, this 8' tall sculpture is in the shape of a large dress. By means of an attached stairway, the piece becomes interactive, allowing viewers to enter and become part of the sculpture, essentially, to 'wear' the dress.

Work statement: My object in creating sculpture is to engage viewers of all ages and interests and invite them to interact with my work. I want them to experience each piece from many perspectives and, to see their surroundings from a new vantage point inside the piece. The impulse and the time it takes to interact with a piece changes a person’s state of mind, if just for a moment. I seek to incorporate humor and a sense of play and wonder in my work. Childrens' drawings and magicians’ illusions inspire me as do primitive images found in African and Oceanic art. These influences find their way into my work through simple lines, shapes and structures, many of which include kinetic, interactive elements and bright colors. I enjoy using industrial materials in unique, surprising ways. While there is an element of lightness in what I create, I believe that humor and play in art can draw something unique and profound from each of us.

Technical details:
Work width: 84 inches
Work height: 96 inches
Work depth: 84 inches
Required venue ceiling: n/a
Required venue door height: n/a
Required venue door width: n/a
Required wall linear footage: n/a
Required venue square footage: n/a
Additional considerations:
Audio/video needed: No
Electrical needed: No
Lighting needed: No
Internet access needed: No
Ground floor access needed: No
Indoor space needed: No
Outdoor space needed: Yes

Work Images

Image

Image

Image

Artist resume


© 2009-2010 ArtPrize Grand Rapids, Inc.