Items Similar to Unwinding Heart
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Thomas HoitsmaUnwinding Heart2023
2023
About the Item
The Heart of the Matter – Metal Wall Sculptures
Artist Statement by Tom Hoitsma:
In October 2019 my family learned first-hand a brutal lesson about the climate crisis. Dallas used to see one tornado each year. For the last few years that number had tripled and the intensity of the tornados has increased. On October 20, 2019, one of these super tornados ripped through our Dallas neighborhood. With winds up to 140 miles per hour and three-quarters of a mile wide, this tornado literally came right down our street. By some act of God, the tornado jumped over the first 5 houses on the west end of our street (including my house), which I was in at the time with my kids, but destroyed most of the homes just west of us. We have all seen images of this kind of destruction on television but to walk the neighborhood the next morning, and see the destruction with my own eyes was completely surreal and deeply disturbing.
As usual, my eye kept settling on the sculptural beauty in some of the wreckage, especial the twisted metal. I collected some of these broken and bent objects and brought them to my studio to contemplate.
On our walk the morning after the tornado, my 12 year old daughter and I bumped into a couple standing in front of their home. It was destroyed. The roof was gone, a few interior walls were standing but most of the exterior walls were just piles of brick. The couple pointed to an interior white door that was still standing (the exterior walls to that room were gone) and said, “do you see that white door? We were all huddle behind that door when the tornado ripped the roof off the house. The air was thick with debris flying around and we all just clutched each other until it finally passed. In front of that door used to be our bedroom (there were no walls standing). We’re so grateful that the four of us made it out without a scratch.”
And that made me think. People are so resilient. Events in our lives can break our hearts but somehow we cannot be defeated. Like these sculptures, our hearts get tangled, bruised, and battered but still remain full of hope and joy. We all emerge, changed from experiences but eventually, hopeful for the future. It became clear that this twisted metal was the perfect metaphor. To take this material which had been so tortured by this tornado and create something vibrant and beautiful. This work, born of the tragedy created by the climate crisis and super storms, is an examination of the impact of the “new normal” we are living in so many areas of our lives, how we are able to create joy from loss, and the unstoppable healing power of the human heart.
- Creator:
- Creation Year:2023
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 57 in (144.78 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1367212633732
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 1980
1stDibs seller since 2020
61 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Joy FilledBy Thomas HoitsmaLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Heart of the Matter – Metal Wall Sculptures Artist Statement by Tom Hoitsma: In October 2019 my family learned first-hand a brutal lesson about the climate crisis. Dallas used to see one tornado each year. For the last few years that number had tripled and the intensity of the tornados has increased. On October 20, 2019 one of these super tornados ripped through our Dallas neighborhood. With winds up to 140 miles per hour and three quarters of a mile wide, this tornado literally came right down our street. By some act of God, the tornado jumped over the first 5 houses on the west end of our street (including my house), which I was in at the time with my kids, but destroyed most of the homes just west of us. We have all seen images of this kind of destruction on television but to walk the neighborhood the next morning, and see the destruction with my own eyes was completely surreal and deeply disturbing. As usual, my eye kept settling on the sculptural beauty in some of the wreckage, especial the twisted metal. I collected some of these broken and bent objects and brought them to my studio to contemplate. On our walk the morning after the tornado, my 12 year old daughter and I bumped into a couple standing in front of their home. It was destroyed. The roof was gone, a few interior walls were standing but most of the exterior walls were just piles of brick. The couple pointed to an interior white door that was still standing (the exterior walls to that room were gone) and said, “do you see that white door? We were all huddle behind that door when the tornado ripped the roof off the house. The air was thick with debris flying around and we all just clutched each other until it finally passed. In front of that door used to be our bedroom (there were no walls standing). We’re so grateful that the four of us made it out without a scratch.” And that made me think. People are so resilient. Events in our lives can break our hearts but somehow we cannot be defeated. Like these sculptures, our hearts get tangled, bruised and battered but still remain full of hope and joy. We all emerge, changed from experiences but eventually, hopeful for the future. It became clear that this twisted metal was the perfect metaphor. To take this material which had been so tortured by this tornado and create something vibrant and beautiful. This work, born of the tragedy created by the climate crisis and super storms, is an examination of the impact of the “new normal...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal
- Arcadian Portal IIBy Atticus AdamsLocated in Los Angeles, CAAtticus Adams is a sculptor whose work embodies the transformative power of art to create beauty, meaning, and emotional impact from industrial materials. Using mostly aluminum mesh—...Category
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsWire
- Flora Contempo SpottedBy Atticus AdamsLocated in Los Angeles, CAAtticus Adams is a sculptor whose work embodies the transformative power of art to create beauty, meaning, and emotional impact from industrial materials. Using mostly aluminum mesh—...Category
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBronze, Wire, Copper
- Chenille ContempoBy Atticus AdamsLocated in Los Angeles, CAAtticus Adams is a sculptor whose work embodies the transformative power of art to create beauty, meaning, and emotional impact from industrial materials. Using mostly aluminum mesh—...Category
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsWire, Bronze
- Namtso IIIBy Atticus AdamsLocated in Los Angeles, CAAtticus Adams is a sculptor whose work embodies the transformative power of art to create beauty, meaning, and emotional impact from industrial materials. Using mostly aluminum mesh—...Category
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsWire
- HeliosBy Billy CriswellLocated in Los Angeles, CACriswell's standing sculpture emerged from a study of spatial organization by arranging basic, repetitive shapes into a harmonious balance, while exploring the concept of simultaneou...Category
2010s Abstract Mixed Media
MaterialsMixed Media, Wood, Paint
You May Also Like
- TEMPUS - Artistic modern standing sculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXIn a fast-paced world where we often get caught up in the rush, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Tempus serves as a reminder to live in the present and cherish each mom...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- CADENCIA - Rhythmic pattern geometric wall sculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXCadence is the rhythm or repetition of certain phenomena, such as sounds or movements. The best reference in the design of this piece could well be the musical pentagram, with its co...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- ERO - Metal Arrow Wall Art SculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXThe arrow has a great symbolic meaning, related to elements of different natures such as protection, love, hunt, and orientation. "Ero" refers to this as an evolution symbol and the ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- LEBEN - Asymmetrical organic standing sculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXLife is often perceived as linear, a flat process with no return. Leben contradicts this belief and exposes the countless deviations that the path could take. This piece represents l...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Seven Year Itch IILocated in Pampilhosa da Serra, PTLisbon-based, Miguel Rodrigues is renowed by having developed a highly innovative and personal artistic style: the hyperbaroque. His hyperbaroque scul...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Baroque Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal
- PonyBy Scott McMillinLocated in San Luis Obispo, CABorn in 1965 in Glendale, California, Scott McMillin remained in Southern California until he entered California State University Long Beach in 1983 and then completed his studies at...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal