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Description:
Richen generally works abstractly with bronze and
steel. He enjoys having fun with his work by adding subtle elements
with hidden meanings that do not necessarily relate to the theme of
the work into many of his pieces.
Funding:
This project was funded by the individual developer as a requirement
of Tempe's Art in Private Development Ordinance.
Artist biography:
While studying architecture at Oregon State University, Richen
enrolled in a class on sculpture. After discovering that he had a
talent for the medium and that the “hands on” feeling of sculpting a
design he had created held a special appeal for him, Richen decided
to study art.
Richen has exhibited his works in major shows throughout the country
and in Amsterdam and Montreal. Among the locations where Richen's
works are displayed are in the Weyerhauser Corporation, the Raffles
Hotel Corporation, Bowater Computers, the University of Chicago
Medical School and collections in Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. In
addition to his large scale, one-of-a-kind commissioned sculptures
and fountains, Richen designs smaller sculptures for both
residential and corporate audiences. Many of these latter works are
created in a numbered series, not to exceed 10 of any one design.
Artist statement:
Richen creates abstract pieces that are strong and graceful. “Metal
has such strength that it can be airy and light. I look at the
surfaces I am creating and see that they are soft, gentle and
delicate – they're not hard at all. This strength gives you light,
openness and freedom of motion like no other material does,” he
said. Although drawing an idea for a piece of sculpture can
sometimes take mere minutes, the work required to make that design a
reality often can take months of hard labor. “After the drawings are
done,” he said “a piece is laid out and shaped. Most of my work now
is done in bronze or steels that produce a glossy polish for that
crisp light refraction. Normally I work with a fabrication
technique: I start with a flat sheet, cut it manipulate it, and put
it back together. I use color in all my works – not by painting, but
by using different alloys.” Richen goes to great lengths to achieve
a high sheen on his pieces, giving each a shimmering quality that
resembles the reflective characteristics of water. “What I want is
for a piece to stay alive in many different lights, so there is a
real changing mood and effect. Basically, the philosophy of all the
works I do is that moment in time – that moment of change.”
Tempe's Art in Private Development program is managed by city
of Tempe Cultural Services staff
with input from the Tempe Municipal Arts Commission, a 15-member,
mayor-appointed advisory board. |
