Craig Schaffer

Starry Evening

2012

Tom Nussbaum is known for a variety of work including drawings, paper cuts, prints, sculpture, children’s books, animations, functional design objects, and site-specific commissions....

Mid-Century Modern abstract sculpture of a white painted abstract geometric wooden object "Motherlode" by Leon Smith, c. 2007 Acrylic painted wood with wood base 10 x 9 x 2 inches This small, mid-century modern style abstract sculpture made of white painted wood is perfectly suited for a tabletop, pedestal, or mantle piece and recalls designs associated with the Post Modern movement. Curved pieces of white painted wood pair elegantly with a natural wood base. The geometric shape is able to rotate around the base, inviting interesting shadows at every angle. Artist Statement: Why I construct sculptures is somewhat of a mystery to me. I suspect, in some ways, it is a continuation of childhood play, where invention, improvisation and often a sense of mischief, are a key. The simple abstract shapes that I choose to work with give me the greatest freedom to manipulate and discover new forms without being bound by specific representational imagery. The opposing qualities of form are what engage me most. Balance vs. precariousness, stability vs. movement, and the organic vs. the inorganic. I play with these elements until another dimension appears and until the form is pleasing to me. I'm partial to the double take, the paradox, but only if the work's formal qualities con sustain interest and delight over a long period of time. About the artist: Born in Australia, it was Smith's first career as a dentist that taught him to make carvings and moldings. His sense of humor and that of his wife, Elaine, are at the epicenter of Smith's playful designs and titles. Riffing on simple, abstract shapes gives him the freedom to discover new forms and ideas. "The opposing qualities of form are what engage me most. Balance versus precariousness, stability versus movement, and the organic versus the inorganic. I'm partial to the double take, the paradox, but only if the work's formal qualities can sustain interest and delight over a long period of time. Smith's childlike energy knows no bounds, producing work that is at once amusing and sophisticated. Sure, he's 83 years old, but hold on tight when he drives you around in his golf cart...

This dynamic wall sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. Muted shades of blue, grey, purp...

This dynamic wall sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. Muted shades of blue, orange, an...

Small colorful abstract sculpture in mid century modern style 16 x 14 x 6 inches painted aluminum in bright yellow, sage green, cerulean blue, dark mauve purple This small, contemporary abstract sculpture made of colorfully painted aluminum is perfectly suited for a tabletop, pedestal, or mantle piece and recalls designs associated with the Mid Century Modern movement. Curved pieces of sturdy aluminum in hues of bright yellow, cerulean blue, dark purple and sage green form into a single abstract shape that exposes exciting shadows and changing angles at every perspective. This mid century modern sculpture was created by Hudson Valley base artist, Leon Smith, as a small scale version of a larger outdoor installation. Artist Statement: Why I construct sculptures is somewhat of a mystery to me. I suspect, in some ways, it is a continuation of childhood play, where invention, improvisation and often a sense of mischief, are a key. The simple abstract shapes that I choose to work with give me the greatest freedom to manipulate and discover new forms without being bound by specific representational imagery. The opposing qualities of form are what engage me most. Balance vs. precariousness, stability vs. movement, and the organic vs. the inorganic. I play with these elements until another dimension appears and until the form is pleasing to me. I'm partial to the double take, the paradox, but only if the work's formal qualities con sustain interest and delight over a long period of time. About the artist: Born in Australia, it was Smith's first career as a dentist that taught him to make carvings and moldings. His sense of humor and that of his wife, Elaine, are at the epicenter of Smith's playful designs and titles. Riffing on simple, abstract shapes gives him the freedom to discover new forms and ideas. "The opposing qualities of form are what engage me most. Balance versus precariousness, stability versus movement, and the organic versus the inorganic. I'm partial to the double take, the paradox, but only if the work's formal qualities can sustain interest and delight over a long period of time. Smith's childlike energy knows no bounds, producing work that is at once amusing and sophisticated. Sure, he's 83 years old, but hold on tight when he drives you around in his golf cart...

This dynamic wall sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. Earth tones of blue, orange, pur...