#stromeyer

Just back from a fabulous visit to Cold Hollow Sculpture Park in Enosburg Falls. Prompted by a reminder that this Saturday was the last of a series of “Walking Conversations” featuring artist David Stromeyer and a guest speaker and encouraged by perfect fall weather, the short drive into Vermont to experience one of the state’s most impressive art treasures was a great way to spend an afternoon. Sunny skies, rolling hills and crisp fall air were the backdrop to David’s tour of his outdoor sculpture park, a former 200-acre dairy farm, which now features 50 or so of his works that span over four decades of art making. Accompanying David this particular afternoon was Jason Bates, PhD, Biomedical Engineer, and the theme of the strolling conversation was art and science. It was a bit ironic that Jason aspired and trained to be a concert pianist as a teen before turning to science and that David studied mathematics before pursuing his path as an artist. Needless to say, the paring worked well and resulted in effortless and engaging dialogue that highlighted the common ground between artist and scientist. At the centre of these discussions were David’s spectacular creations.

David’s sculptures come to life as large abstract shapes and forms. Common to most of his works is that they involve some twisting and bending of metal which makes David not only an artist but also an inventor and engineer – a maker of things, as he says. The artistic moment is captured when an inspiration is translated into a small physical model (between 1 and 12 inches in size) using easily shaped materials with little regard being given to how it could be executed on a bigger scale. From there, the engineer in him finds a way to tame and manipulate not so obviously malleable materials like steel to transform the vision into a large sculpture. The elegance, beauty and harmony of the works makes one seriously underestimate the effort and ingenuity involved. And for David, it’s a process of continuous learning. Each sculpture is unique and presents its own challenges which he takes on in his working studio - a magical metal bending fabrication facility – located on site. The final works are usually painted, and ultimately titled, and then either shipped off to their new home or placed somewhere on the five rolling meadows of the sculpture park with other pieces before moving on.

David’s works are a special visual treat. There’s a rhythm and fluidity to them and an implied and even sometimes, very real movement that make them marvels of art and engineering. The many standout works on the grounds include:  “Cheek to Cheek”, 2015, stainless steel rods (8 x 9 x 6 ft) which explores the beauty of the curves of the human body where the torso meets the upper legs; “Swingin’ Easy”, 2012, metal plates (10 x 9.5 x 6 ft), human anatomy inspired double-mirrored forms (upside-down and reversed); and “Jitterbug”, 2014, metal plates (22 x 24 x 15 ft), a towering representation of the energy and movement of dances.

The season at Cold Hollow Sculpture Park runs from late June through mid-October, making next weekend (through the 12th) the last opportunity to take-in the experience this year.

For more information on David Stromeyer and Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, “Just Google It” or go directly to www.davidstromeyer.com or www.coldhollowsculpturepark.com .

 There you have it sportsfans,

 MC Giggers

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