Nature and its principles of growth are key aspects of Howard Kalish’s work. Rather than copying a single object in nature, Kalish looks to forms of growth and structure in the natural world. This observation of the natural world encourages him to pursue sculptural forms that evolve slowly and organically. As the artist himself has stated, “Just as in nature, by far the most important factor is the overriding growth principle (the DNA, if you will). This is how the work is conceived, in every sense of the word. An idea or seed is born and I try to let it realize itself in the form of the three-dimensional object by nurturing and not violating its essence. In the best circumstances the thing that is created has an existence of its own, independent of me.” Urchin illustrates the serendipitous nature of Kalish’s artwork, evolving from a series of smaller sculptures based upon the idea of spiral as the form of growth. The study for Urchin was approximately six inches tall. Instead of following the traditional method of enlarging sculpture in which external measurements dictate the final form, Kalish decided to create a much more expansive piece by working from the center of the sculpture outward. As a result, Urchin is open yet interconnected-encouraging viewers to see through the work as well as enjoy the overlapping structure and interplay of colors. Pursuing studies in art and sculpture, Kalish attended The Cooper Union and the New York Studio School and he currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. Kalish has been featured in numerous one-person shows and group exhibitions, most recently, at the Slideshow Gallery, Brooklyn, NY; the Rockland Center for the Arts, West Nyack, NY; a one-person show at Denise Bibro Fine Art, New York, NY; and the Elaine Baker Gallery, Boca Raton, FL. Kalish’s works are also included in many public art collections such as Navy Pier, Chicago, IL; Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City, NY; Station Plaza Sculpture Walk, Trenton, NJ; Wandell Sculpture Park, Urbana, IL; and Holycroft Sculpture Park, Ivoryton, CT. In addition to exhibiting his sculpture, Kalish has taught at several institutions, including fifteen years at the national Academy of Design in New York City. Works by Howard Kalish on view in the sculpture park: Urchin, 2001
96" x 106" x 98"
Courtesy of the Artist | | |
