* = Innovators and Pioneers in the Field of Contemporary Wire Sculpture
Mitsugu Katayama from Nirayama, Japan makes wire sculptures from brass, copper, stainless steel, aluminum and plastic-coated steel wire.
*Rudy Kehkla creates his spare, crisp and masterful wire sculptures by first carefully sketching his subject matter. When he is satisfied that every line of his compostion is "correct", he then translates the image into a riveting wire sculpture.
Ananda Kiamasha began with wire in 1995, sculpting coat hangers into Divine Divas. She used coat hangers to transform the old symbol of female oppression (instrument used for abortion in pre Roe vs. Wade era) into symbols of self-affirmation. Her artwork is also inspired by the wire toys made by children in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ananda incorporates chakra, color and gemstone therapies as healing techniques in her artwork. The sculptures are made with brass, copper, floral and steel wire. An original poem or story laced with world mythology accompanies each piece.
*Larry Langley makes freestyle "magic wands" with a pleasing resonance. They make a delightful ting when tapped on a solid surface.
Dana Lina, originally an architect, became inspired about wire and pursues it as a full-time occupation. She currently lives in Jambi, Indonesia.
Spenser Read Little creates sharp, insightful and expressive single-strand drawings with wire, most recently a collection of portraits of the homeless. "Like everyone invovled in wire, Calder is a source of inspiration but I by no means try to mimic him of his particular style, the thing I take mostly from Calder is the importance of playing and fun..."
*Steve Lohman spent decades perfecting the three-dimensional potentiality of a single line of wire, darting about in three directions, depicting moments in life accurately and pleasing the eye from every angle.
Etela Lucova, industrial designer, incorporates wire into functional furniture, light fixtures, etc in clean, abstract lines and forms.
Andrew Maphanga learned to work with wire as a child making the ubiquitous wire cars which are seen all over South Africa. He designs wire artifacts, employing about seven wireworkers, and gives lessons. His range includes everything from CD racks and wire animals to wire motorbikes in all sizes from a few inches long to three-quarter life size versions. Andrew welcomes custom orders.
Konstantin Milonadis, formerly of the Ukraine, pioneered his own style of abstract, kinetic stainless steel wire sculpture.
Pat Moses-Caudel wearable wire art - crochet
Gibson Moyo incorporates galvanized steel and brass wire. He creates all of his decorative and functional designs freestyle, without patterns. His wife, Rachel, sells the work at a craft market stall in Cape Town, South Africa.
Janet Nelson creates from chicken wire and also"crochets" wire forms with a technique reminescent of sprang, the method commonly used to make hammocks.
Edward Netley makes accurate wildlife wire sculptures by a process of making multiple connections from single strands of wire.
*Jean Noon creates abstract wire sculptures of equines and other subjects. Strongly influenced by the minimalist sculptures of Henry Moore, yet her works are distinctly of her own design.
Walter Oltmann of South Africa, winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist 2001 award, applies textile methods including basket making, thatching,and weaving to industrial materials, making forms based on nature and man-made items. He is also inspired by the structures of the natural world, such as bird nests and beaver dams.
Phil Onishi, a Seattle musician, applies his insightful observations of musicians, athletes and other individuals with a special flair for accuracy and implied movement.
*Hayward L. Oubre born in 1916, was Dillard University's first black art major, but found that few opportunities existed for a black person with a degree in art. He used wire sculpture as a vessel to express outrage with the social and political power structure. His refusal to bow to power was a major factor in his powerful, animated and intense sculptures remaining in obscurity for most of his life. Working freestyle with intricately woven colored wires, he addresses people animals, religious themes. At long last, he is receiving accaims and extensive museum exhibitions.
We're actively questing to identify and bring together the oldtimers - pioneers in the field of wire sculpture who might otherwise fade unnoticed from the scene. If you know of a seasoned wire sculptor not listed here, please let us know!
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