Harold Kalmus
Artist Statement
Although I am a firm believer that artists should be seen and not heard, the “Artist’s Statement” is a necessary evil so…
Being one who has chosen form over words as a means of communication, I am compelled to borrow from a master of the latter. The Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges spoke of poetry as “algebra and fire”. Algebra is structure, the formal qualities, the composition, craftsmanship and the systems of creation. Fire is the passion, the emotion and the story to be told.
Too much algebra and the work is sterile, dispassionate and relies on gimmickry. Too much fire; the result is a saccharine sweetness, melodrama or a general confusion of intent. The articulate and graceful balance of the two is essential, and what I aspire to in my work.
Portfolio
About Roots
milk paint and wax on Aquaresin and epoxy, wormy wood • 2025
$8000
Ryah as Balzac (after Rodin)
paint and wax on Aquaresin, beads, wood base • 2025
Maquette for a Sandy Hook Memorial
bonded bronze • 2014
Mano a Mano
oil on AquaResin • 2023
Lift|Rise
paint and wax on AquaResin, wood, plastic weeds • 2024
Falconer
iron patina on hydrocal • 2009
Figure Study_Julia_front
hydrocal • 2012
Figure Study_Julia_back
hydrocal • 2012
2Saints 2Sinners
patinaed hydrocal and wood • 2015
Figure Study_Shawna_back
iron patinaed hydrocal • 2023
Figure Study _Rebecca_back
iron patinaed hydrocal • 2016
Figure Study_Stella_reclining
painted hydrocal • 2016
Figure Study_back pointing
iron patinaed hydrocal • 2010
Figure Study_Trans
painted hydrocal • 2016
Figure Study_Stella 3/4
painted hydrocal • 2016
Cleansing of the Marketplace (detail
cast resin and wood • 2016
Monument Proposal - Victory of the right
Imitation Gold leaf (tarnished)on resin, scorched wood base • 2018
American Reliquary relief details
gold leaf on cast resin • 2020
American Reliquary
gold leaf on resin, wood, prop gun, satin • 2020
Portrait of MET
oil on hydrocal • 2018
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Autumn Hare
patinaed cast resin • 2014
American Reliquary
metal leaf on cast resin, wood, prop gun
Monument Proposal - The Victory of the Right
tarnished imitation gold leaf on resin, scorched wood
Wishbone
painted hydrocal • 2012
$7000
Wishbone
milk paint and wax on hydrocal • 2012
$7000
About Roots
milk paint and wax on Aquaresin and epoxy • 2026
$8000