Art Inspiring Action
Drawing on themes of energy, motion and sustainability, sculptor Terry Karpowicz creates art to inspire—or imply—action.
His latest work, and the newest installation at Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (theNate) at Governors State University, "Stargazing with Contrails" points skyward inviting visitors to reflect at once on constellations, represented in the rolled I-beam, and vapor trails, implied in the 21-foot steel elements.
“Stargazing with Contrails” calls out to nearby “Prairie Passage,” located in Munster's Centennial Park. This large scale, kinetic work of steel and stone was a collaboration with sculptor Neil Goodman.
Jeff Stevenson, Director and Curator for theNate recently reflected on why the Chicago artist’s addition to the collection resonates across the region and beyond.
"Barbara Klawans, a longtime supporter of theNate, pointed out the connections made across the Midwestern region through Terry's work, and her example is in Munster where she resides, but a cursory look reveals other pieces nearby at Prairie State College, throughout neighborhoods in Chicago, Evanston, Highland Park, and in Flossmoor, where I live. In all these spaces, Terry’s work intrigues visitors with the unlikely combination of natural elements of like oak and walnut, and granite, with geometric shapes. Karpowicz Studios is active with new projects and commissions, placing work in private and public art collections with a specific purpose,'' Stevenson said.
“I want you (the viewer) to be involved,’’ Karpowicz said of his art in an interview when “Let’s Go” was installed in the Sioux City Arts Center in 2015. During the interview, the Chicago artist shared that he counts among is inspirations artist Mark di Suvero, whose “Yes! For Lady Day” was the first piece in GSU’s sculpture park more than 50 years ago.
Karpowicz’s first piece at GSU, “Art Arc,” — which is reminiscent of a water vessel made of weathered wood, steel and brass fittings —can be seen inside the university’s main lobby.
The towering, colorful "Stargazing with Contrails" was unveiled on Sept. 11 during theNate's premium fundraiser "Sculpture, Wine & Dine" and will welcome visitors throughout the year.