Celebrating the Heritage and Practices of Traditional Fine Arts Worldwide
August 20 - October 26, 2024 Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University 167 N. Atchison St. Orange, California 92866
This expansive showcase of over 180 paintings and sculptures is selected from hundreds of entries submitted by current qualified California Art Club members for review by a panel of art experts and leading artists. The final collection spotlights today’s most exemplary works by both renowned and up-and-coming artists.
Bronze with electricity, 51" x 72" x 24" | 175lb, $60,000
This figure seems to capture the energy of our spirit within us. With the dark bronze surface juxtaposed to the golden light emanating from the cracks, it makes one see that we are more than just our shell; deeper than the surface of our bodies. It also speaks to the fractures or breaks that one endures in life, and that indeed we are still beautiful and unique in our brilliance. With his arms outstretched, Illumination feels like a moment in prayer, or an offering, or just the pure enjoyment of being alive and feeling the sun on his face. When we allow ourselves to live the life we were intended for, we will be rewarded with love and light.
Bronze and cast crystal wings on granite base, 23" x 15" x 18", $15,800
Fine Art Connoisseur Award of Excellence for Sculpture
Through sculpture I seek to explore one of the fundamental dualities of human life: bitter and sweet.
The human form is my muse; I study the physical exterior that reveals the sacred inner self. As I shape and cut into clay with handcrafted wooden tools, I compose dynamic gestures eager to explore the very breath of life, the persona in three-dimensional form. Like our true selves, my work has no pretense of perfection: tool marks and fingerprints characterize the gritty edges of our beautiful lives. Though I have ultimate control over the outcome, my pieces inevitably contain elements of mystery, shadows of the stories shared between model and sculptor. Our lives are defined by the highs and lows of relationship. Despite the struggles we face, my work evokes the wholeness and goodness of who we are.
Bronze, edition of 35 on wooden base, 18" x 20.5" x 9", $5,500
Honorable Mention for Best Sculpture
The Marwari horse is found in India and there are less than 5,000 in the entire world. The tall horse is slim and sleek with large eyes set wide apart, flared nostrils and unique ears curved inward so the tips almost touch. The breed originated in the Marwar region of India and was developed by the Raiput’s warrior clan in the 12th century. Despite being known as a warrior’s horse, they are known to be loyal and friendly.
An Oracle is a person, agency, or priestess that acts as a medium for advice or prophecy from the gods. This sculpture serves as a place to reflect on: the existential; the personal and collective consciousness; the spirit and the mind; and our connection and separation from this world. The Oracle is a personified depiction of many spiritual ideas and symbols working harmoniously. It is a space for coexistence.
My desire for this piece is to show my reverence for Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest leaders in American history. He displayed an extraordinary compassion for humanity.
