* All images used with permission from artist. Please do not distribute without first contacting the artist.
(3.51 - 93 votes)About Sam:
Inspired by natural bone forms, rural technology, and geometric structure, Sam Spiczka has produced an unsettling body of work that is both modern and intensely primal, public yet deeply personal. Born and raised in rural Minnesota, Spiczka became captivated by metal early on through the experience of working at his family’s welding shop. Though he briefly studied art and philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, his true education has come from Nature, the example of past sculptors, and the craftsmanship of his father. His award winning sculptures have been exhibited nationally – including at DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, the Rochester Art Center and Franconia Sculpture Park – and can be found in many public and private collections.
Next Artist: Dan McCarthy
Previous Artist: Mike Ross
from The Chronicle of Artistic Failure in America: “Approach one's work like an an artist craftsman, packing the lunch pail and the coffee thermos, ...
Oct. 28, 2008
tedsher posted a photo: oct. 28, 2008. sculptor sam spiczka opened a solo show today at atwood gallery, st. cloud state university. www.sculptorsam.co...
sam is truly one of my favorite sculptors. a real inspiration. his work is sensitive, interesting, and unique. i expect that we’ll all be hearing great things about sam.
Comment by martha walker — February 27, 2009
Simply amazing. This ‘demo’ photo it just the tip. After exploring his site I’m really feeling the emotion in this work. Personally trying to figure out how to build a house around Nighthawk. The burnings have really sparked an interest in my mind, there is some work that I have been doing similar to that. Thank you Sam. Oh and what happend to the destroyed piece?
Comment by Erik — February 27, 2009
Sam seems to have an ingrained ability to see beyond the natural. He incorporates vision with materials entirely foreign to nature to create his scuptures. In agreement with other friends, admireers and poster, his look does captivate us with a feel for a “distant time” in an eerily modern fashion.
And given the sturdiness of his medium, he has allowed future generations of creators (AKA kids) to explore them in a hands-on bodies-roaming sort of way.
I am an ageless fan of his from a time remembered and into the imaginable future. Stay the course, good friend!
Shannon :o)
Comment by Shannon Vadnie — February 27, 2009
Interesting but lousy sense of scale. Is it BIG or teeny?
Comment by meandererstill — February 27, 2009
Well, well Sam: Looks like you’ve been busy despite the addition of Zoe to the studio mix. Hope to see you guys on the road sometime this summer.
Steve
Comment by Steve Nowatzki — February 27, 2009
Sam is a modern alchemist; distilling the sacred ore into objects of immense spiritual strength. A pilgrimage to his website will make you into a humble believer.
Comment by Steve — February 27, 2009
Absolutely striking. DO visit the artist’s website-the images of his work there are much better, I think. As someone who has previously lived in the same region he does, I appreciate his connection to the natural environment around him.
Comment by MissLaura — February 27, 2009
Check out Sam’s website. Great work!
Comment by Harry McDaniel — February 27, 2009
Sam’s work is among the most sophisticated in workmanship–and elevated in vision–of today’s contemporary sculptors. And just think–there’s more to come:)
Comment by Nancy — February 27, 2009
Yeah Sam!
nice to see you here. Love your work, it is from a distant time and place. Sturdy and elegant. Iron is the most stable of elements. Wish Relic was up there! im biased though.
emil
Comment by emil alzamora — February 27, 2009