ajmettal

I feel my artwork has much to do with self-discovery, self-exploration and self-realization. To find out what resounds with the core of my being; trust it, own it and follow it, is a great gift. I believe it is vital to keep experimenting and at the same time remain true to my own inner nature. It is the eternal beauty, depth and expanse of the Universe that inspires me. Each piece of art is an attempt to embody the natural world and the world around me. Most often the organic and structural forms are complimented by stylized gestures and embellished in a way that adds vitality and character to the interpretation. It is realism with a touch of my own style. Every work of art is the inspiration of some force greater than I, pushing me forward. My love of nature, form and process is demonstrated in each piece.
I began my study of art at the Portland Art Museum in 1964 and continued studying and applying my artistic talents, culminating with a BFA in Jewelry & Metals in 1988 and a MFA in Sculpture from the University of Oregon in 1990. I have a rich background including 6 years of professional experience as a graphic artist and over 8 years of teaching experience instructing a number of different college and youth art classes. I am an award winning, professional artist having received the Juror's Choice Award at Art & the Vineyard in 1988, the American Society of Landscape Architects Award with architect Brad Stangeland for my Copper Fountain in 1991 and the Maude Kerns Duchess Award for Innovation in Art in 1999. I have been exhibiting my artwork for the past 15 years and I am now gaining national recognition. My copper art for the Eugene Fire Station #11 allowed me to build on an already mature body of work as well as strengthen my ability to develop complex and technical sculptures.

I feel my artwork has much to do with self-discovery, self-exploration and self-realization. To find out what resounds with the core of my being; trust it, own it and follow it, is a great gift. I believe it is vital to keep experimenting and at the same time remain true to my own inner nature. It is the eternal beauty, depth and expanse of the Universe that inspires me. Each piece of art is an attempt to embody the natural world and the world around me. Most often the organic and structural forms are complimented by stylized gestures and embellished in a way that adds vitality and character to the interpretation. It is realism with a touch of my own style. Every work of art is the inspiration of some force greater than I, pushing me forward. My love of nature, form and process is demonstrated in each piece.
I began my study of art at the Portland Art Museum in 1964 and continued studying and applying my artistic talents, culminating with a BFA in Jewelry & Metals in 1988 and a MFA in Sculpture from the University of Oregon in 1990. I have a rich background including 6 years of professional experience as a graphic artist and over 8 years of teaching experience instructing a number of different college and youth art classes. I am an award winning, professional artist having received the Juror's Choice Award at Art & the Vineyard in 1988, the American Society of Landscape Architects Award with architect Brad Stangeland for my Copper Fountain in 1991 and the Maude Kerns Duchess Award for Innovation in Art in 1999. I have been exhibiting my artwork for the past 15 years and I am now gaining national recognition. My copper art for the Eugene Fire Station #11 allowed me to build on an already mature body of work as well as strengthen my ability to develop complex and technical sculptures.