Gary
Augustynek

"Creativity is the power to reject the past, to change the status quo, and to seek new potential." - Ai Weiwei

In a high school art class, I had to make an animal out of clay. I made a gorilla and the teacher told me that I had a very good understanding of anatomy. But I had no interest in art. In university, I took a year off to work and travel Europe and was bombarded by art in many forms. My interest was piqued. After university, I continued to travel, experiencing galleries and museums around the world. I began to try my hand at working with clay, always in a more sculptural context. While teaching art to my students in elementary school, my personal creativity blossomed and art became my passion. I took a variety of courses to explore my creativity. Since retiring, I have found the time to devote more fully to my creative pursuits.

I have learned over the years that viewing life along a spectrum makes more sense than trying to force it into distinct categories. I question the distinction between sculpture and other Arts such as painting and pottery. Where does the one end and the other begin? I enjoy working with simple materials, and found objects. I look for beauty in nature and the environment and reflect that back in my art. I like the idea that by incorporating a rotting tree in my work I have managed to delay, even if only temporarily, it’s return to the earth. Working with wood, stone and clay connects me to the artistic expression of people since the beginning of time. It’s a very profound feeling. Art that speaks to the environment and social responsibility and that challenges conventions is also important to me. I am inspired by the work of Yoko Ono and Ai Weiwei, among others. I have visited galleries and museums around the world and continue to be inspired by all the art I see and the beauty in the world around me. I hope to continue to channel my creativity and to create and inspire for as long as I am able.