Purchased in 2016 from Douglas County Art Encounters, "And The Wheels Go Round" was created from granite and steel by artist Terrance Karpowicz.
In the 1970s, as an art student, Karpowicz found himself immersed in the vibrant world of Minimalism and Conceptualism. These prevailing art movements, characterized by their simplicity and profound ideas, deeply influenced his burgeoning artistic vision.
In 1975, Karpowicz's path took a transformative turn when he was awarded a Fulbright-Hayes scholarship to the United Kingdom. Here, he apprenticed under the sole millwright for the government’s Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. This experience was pivotal, teaching him the ancient techniques of watermill and windmill construction and preservation. The intricate craftsmanship he learned during this time, combined with the minimalist forms he admired, began to shape his unique aesthetic.
Karpowicz's work is a harmonious blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern artistic sensibilities. He continues to practice woodworking and joinery, drawing inspiration from the interactions of natural elements such as wind, water, sunlight, and gravity. His sculptures are defined by the tension at the points of contact or joints, where organic materials like wood limbs and granite shards meet the precision of machine-tooled steel. These works explore kinetic relationships, both actual and implied, between the elements and their environment.
For Karpowicz, the interaction of disparate materials is not just a technique but a reflection of his life and worldview. His sculptures, where oak and granite nest in harmony or stainless steel orbs spin within walnut ellipses, are held together by his unwavering commitment to materials, history, and craftsmanship.
Through his art, Karpowicz invites viewers to experience the sublime beauty of minimal forms, the depth of layered history, and the dynamic interplay of natural forces.
