Birmingham
Wall
74"
x67", acrylic & mixed media on
canvas
Intake
56" x 48" x10", aluminum,
enamel, steel, & wood |
 |
Karl
Umlauf
As
a student, my part-time jobs placed me
near construction and industrial sites,
and as my artistic focus developed I
found that I became attracted to their
mechanical complexity, raw shapes,
surfaces and linear energy. This visual appreciation
grew to include the environments of steel
mills, oil refineries, salvage yards,
shipping harbors, etc. and the
fascination continues to cycle through my
work. Trips to Houston, Pittsburgh,
Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and other
major industrial centers have served as
important references for many years.
I always try to create extraordinary
resolutions from the most minimal
references. This contrast provides the
most creative latitude in achieving a
personal expression. When observing the
surface and images of my work the viewer
may explore and gradually discover the
hidden elements of the form and content.
Thus looking becomes a process of
unearthing the concealed. If the work
conveys a spirit of visual energy and
intrigue and if the interaction of
mechanical, organic and relief elements
evokes a broad spectrum of emotion from
apprehension to a form of inquiry, then I
have succeeded in establishing my visual
goals. |
