Gale Wagner, Best of Show

In his first-ever showing in Cloverdale, sculptor Gale Wagner scooped the Best of Show award at the opening reception June 7th with his piece “Making Space for the Future.”  Judges Edwin Hamilton, Debra LeHane, and Steve Oliver deliberated long and hard in making their decision, and expressed enthusiasm for the overall high quality of the numerous works on exhibit.

Gale described his piece as a combination of his Flower Pot Series from the 1980’s and his Toy Series from the 1990’s. “Flower pots are to nurture, and the toys are to entertain the child in us all,” he explained. “The bronze egg is nested in the square branches, making reference to genetic engineering, as it becomes more relevant to our harsh environment for the generations yet to come.”

In discussing his inspiration, Wagner stated “Anything entering my mind may become that point of origin for sculpture to be born. To my mind, it could begin with a chunk of steel, a particular experience, a historical event, all things ….. as in a science project, the adventure develops a direction, builds its own momentum, and develops a life of its own. It is enhanced through respect and pure love of the materials and process. I love what I do and try to reach as many people as possible. I hope it arouses something within each and every viewer – curiosity, amusement, mystery…..”