Kathleen Nelson

Artist Statement

When I brought a new house, I wanted to add a modern sculpture as a focal point to my newly designed yard. I had a vision of what I wanted – a metal, contemporary piece with lots of movement and negative spaces. But, I had a hard time finding the sculpture style I envisioned on art websites like Etsy, at a price I could afford. As veteran graphic designer and artist myself, I started researching metal materials, stumbled on aluminum tubing (in diameters of 1/2”, 5/16” and 1/4”) and began bending and molding sculptures into the art I had envisioned. The aluminum material added an additional desired result of never rusting, leaving the art to retain its original brilliance.

I bought a drill press, began drilling metal plates to create a base where a metal shaft could be incorporated so the forms could free stand and also be secured to the ground by stakes. Not only did my vision for the sculptures come to fruition but the art itself went beyond my expectations. Each form expresses a contemplative slender movement into captivating negative shapes. The beauty of the raw metal in the sunlight, not only creates sparkling highlights but also generates amazing shadows both on the ground and within the sculpture itself. I began painting sculptures in bright colors inspired by large museum pieces I had seen. These forms have their own striking beauty as landscape sculptures—a color stand-out in garden green. These beautiful art pieces add an eye-catching focal point to any landscape, taking the setting from pleasant to memorable.

All the sculptures I create are made in studio with raw materials which I purchase online. Sizes range from 28” to 73” tall with prices from $65-$175. (Please reference my website www.nydyarddesign.com). Also offered are tiny desktop metal wire sculptures similar in form to the larger versions (only sold at shows, not on website). Desktop sizes are from 4”-8” tall with prices ranging from $15 to $25.

I continue to experiment with the medium, finding new ways to express the abstract forms I love. My hope is that other homeowners share the same perspective – a need for a contemporary art focal point to add to their landscaping at an affordable price.