Force Of Nature-Lorenzo Quinn

Force of Nature

The Force of Nature II

Lorenzo Quinn
Bronze, Stainless Steel, Iron
220 x 421 x 150 cm
Edition of 8 plus 3 AP

2010

  

     "Grab the reins, keep your wits Life is fleeting, moments fly. Blind the eye, feel the way. Throw off heed and just believe."--Lorenzo Quinn.

      Lorenzo Quinn studied at the American Academy of Fine Arts in New York and subsequently in workshops and foundries across the United States and Europe. Starting out as a painter in 1982, he soon discovered that a dimension was missing from his works and that he could not offer anything that had not already been offered by other artists before him. Turning to sculpture because of a deep-rooted need to create, he found this medium allowed him to convey his innermost feelings to the viewer; it is, in fact, this direct communication which Lorenzo constantly seeks. He says, "It is the viewer that interests me not the art critic...I make art for myself and the people who wish to come along for a ride through my dreams." He is inspired by the great masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini, Carpaux and Rodin, and he frequently returns to Italy to gain inspiration and knowledge.

     Lorenzo's work is included in many impressive private collections throughout the world, which has lead to a prodigious amount of commissioned work. This includes being commissioned by the Vatican to sculpt the likeness of Saint Anthony, in commemoration of the Eighth Centennial of the Saint's birth. Lorenzo's sculpture was blessed by the Holy Father in Saint Peter's Square before it was placed in the Basilica del Santo in Padua in 1995. He has also been commissioned by the United Nations to produce a stamp for their collection, as well as placing several monumental sculptures throughout the UK and Europe. His ongoing project, 'The Globe Of Life' which represents the hundred most important moments in history, looks set to be his most significant work to date, with five monumental bronze sculptures linking each continent. Other than having exhibited throughout the United States, Lorenzo has shown his work in South America, Europe and Asia. In April 2003, Lorenzo's monumental sculpture, 'Encounters', which has been commissioned by Fundatur and donated to the city of Mallorca, was unveiled opposite the Museum of Modern Art in Palma de Mallorca.

     Each of Lorenzo's sculptures is born first in writing, hence the reason why the artist always displays his 'poems' alongside each sculpture "because they are a whole, one could not exist without the other. I don't believe in purely decorative work. It must transmit emotions, it must say something to me and the people that observe it". He is inspired to sculpt by life's everyday experiences, as well as by poems and literature in general, but especially from observing life's energy. Savoring life to its fullest is very important to Lorenzo, allowing him to "enjoy the many different aspects of existence." As a result, each of his works represents a period, an emotion, a symbol.

     Lorenzo has managed to absorb and combine all his diverse talents, thus enabling him to develop his own unique artistic style. His work reflects the clear, true vision of an artist who has matured far beyond his years in a stimulating, intellectual environment. It has been said many times that life imitates art; the achievements of Lorenzo Quinn certainly lend credence to this belief.

     "We humans think of ourselves as supreme beings, above all others and in absolute control of our destiny and our surroundings. We live with a false sense of security, only to be awakened by Mother Nature’s fury, almost as if she needs to remind us of her presence and our responsibility towards her child (the Earth). After having seen the ravaged coast of Thailand and the hurricane that affected the Southern States, I decided to create a sculpture dedicated to Mother Nature. This would be reminiscent of the early statues made as peace offerings to the gods in the hope of quenching their anger. In essence, people are not very different today from the people who lived thousands of years ago. We still devote ourselves to symbols in order to escape our destiny."--Lorenzo Quinn.

     “The Force of Nature II” by contemporary sculptor Lorenzo Quinn is installed in Berkeley Square by Halcyon Gallery on February 10, 2011 in London, England. The sculpture is the final piece to be installed in the Halcyon Gallery's London Sculpture Trail comprising of six monumental sculptures on public display in central London.

     This piece fits in perfectly into this gallery because it shows you how truly amazing nature can be. This sculpture give you that shock and awe moment.