Foster Willey Jr.
607 22nd. Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-782-8629
fosterwilley@earthlink.net
www.fosterwilley.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is both abstract and representational. My interest in the figurative tradition, classical form, and architectural ornament are central to my creative efforts. Of equal importance is the influence of the early modernist from which my explorations in abstraction have evolved. My work often utilizes negative space to create forms that are expansive, and animated.
In my personal work I deal with a variety of issues in terms of content and form although a single interpretation is not my intent. Typically it is my objective to mythologize experience or as the anthropologist Levi-Strauss might suggest, to create the illusion of understanding.
More recently I have been pursuing work in the public art realm. I have completed commissions in bronze, welded steel, cast concrete, wood, and stone. I have participated in numerous design settings including large scale projects for various municipalities.
"Centrifuge", the large scale sculpture for Burnsville, involved collaborating with the architectural firm that designed the park (DSU Architects). It also involved working with structural engineers, and aquatic engineers for the water feature. Presentation drawings, working drawings, a scale model, and written material were provided to the various committees involved with the art work. The sculpture became the focal point of Nicollete Commons Park and symbolically represents the character and spirit of Burnsville.
My commission for the Annunciation Church involved a contemporary rendition of the Virgin Mary seven feet tall. I worked closely with a small committee and resolved most of the design issues (aesthetic and conceptual) through a series of drawings before making a model. The bronze sculpture was dedicated in the spring of 2005.
Currently I have just completed a gateway sculpture for the City of Minneapolis. The project involves contemporary stelae or monoliths that describe the history of the Central Avenue Northeast Neighborhood. The monoliths utilize a combination of bronze and terra cotta relief, seating is also incorporated into the design.
I believe public art is a synthesis of artistic vision, communal interests, and architectural considerations. Thank you for providing this opportunity, I hope you will find my work of interest.
Foster Willey Jr.
607 22nd. Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-782-8629
fosterwilley@earthlink.net
www.fosterwilley.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is both abstract and representational. My interest in the figurative tradition, classical form, and architectural ornament are central to my creative efforts. Of equal importance is the influence of the early modernist from which my explorations in abstraction have evolved. My work often utilizes negative space to create forms that are expansive, and animated.
In my personal work I deal with a variety of issues in terms of content and form although a single interpretation is not my intent. Typically it is my objective to mythologize experience or as the anthropologist Levi-Strauss might suggest, to create the illusion of understanding.
More recently I have been pursuing work in the public art realm. I have completed commissions in bronze, welded steel, cast concrete, wood, and stone. I have participated in numerous design settings including large scale projects for various municipalities.
"Centrifuge", the large scale sculpture for Burnsville, involved collaborating with the architectural firm that designed the park (DSU Architects). It also involved working with structural engineers, and aquatic engineers for the water feature. Presentation drawings, working drawings, a scale model, and written material were provided to the various committees involved with the art work. The sculpture became the focal point of Nicollete Commons Park and symbolically represents the character and spirit of Burnsville.
My commission for the Annunciation Church involved a contemporary rendition of the Virgin Mary seven feet tall. I worked closely with a small committee and resolved most of the design issues (aesthetic and conceptual) through a series of drawings before making a model. The bronze sculpture was dedicated in the spring of 2005.
Currently I have just completed a gateway sculpture for the City of Minneapolis. The project involves contemporary stelae or monoliths that describe the history of the Central Avenue Northeast Neighborhood. The monoliths utilize a combination of bronze and terra cotta relief, seating is also incorporated into the design.
I believe public art is a synthesis of artistic vision, communal interests, and architectural considerations. Thank you for providing this opportunity, I hope you will find my work of interest.
Foster Willey Jr.