MICHAEL MANCARELLA
contemporary sculpture
STATEMENT
Formal design principles are the basis for my work which is typically made of wood and metal. Taken individually the contrast between these materials can be dramatic but when combined and manipulated they can transform each other from the utilitarian to the aesthetic. I re-purpose materials whenever possible, the wood I use is from trees that have come down in storms or by some other natural event.
A firm believer in evolution, I allow each piece to change as work progresses always starting with a loose sketch which rarely resembles the finished piece.
It's important to me that my sculpture is not highly polished or over-worked. I want people to see evidence of artistic intent and restraint or put simply--knowing when to stop.
I know a sculpture is complete when I study--and am happy with--smaller isolated areas within the piece and of course when I'm satisfied with the complete work.
"I look at the world as a series of compositions or frames, searching out aesthetic meaning, order, chaos, light, texture..."
EDUCATION
BFA University of Colorado Denver 1998
PROFESSIONAL
Ironton Studios and Gallery 1998 - 2016. Co-founder and developer. A working artist’s collective featuring studio spaces for up to 20 artists, art gallery and outdoor art space.
JunoWorks 1999 - 2016. Owner. A corporation dedicated to the design, fabrication and installation of monumental public art.
2019 "Mix it Up" Lafontsee Gallery. Grand Rapids, MI
2010 "Direction" Ironton Gallery. Denver, CO
2008 "Since the House Is On Fire Let Us Warm Our Hands" Ironton Gallery. Denver, CO
2006 "Evidence Continued" Ironton Gallery. Denver, CO
2004 "Pachanga Show" Ironton Gallery. Denver, CO
2001 "Evidence" Ironton Studios. Denver, CO
2000 "Studios Artists Show" Ironton Gallery. Denver, CO
2000 "Deja Vu" Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Arvada, CO
2000 "Cuba Journal" Colorado Photographic Arts Center. Denver, CO
Multiple gallery shows 1995-1999
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS
2011 "One Way" Denver Public Art Commission. Denver, CO
2008 "Prairie Wings" Lowry Foundation. Denver, CO
2007 "Instruments" Red Rocks Amphitheater. Denver, CO
2005 "Flight Ride" Lowry Foundation. Denver, CO
2005 "Direction" Denver Public Art Commission. Denver, CO
AWARDS
1999 Personal Vision Award. Colorado Photographic Arts Center. Denver, CO
1998 First Place Landscape. Ernst Haas Awards. New York, NY
1995 First Place Black and White Photography. Ernst Haas Awards. New York, NY
1996 Best of Show. Colorado Photographic Arts Center. Denver, CO
COLLECTIONS
American Express Company
Kaiser Permanente
CONTACT
831.588.0117
copyright 2019 Michael Mancarella
