|
Description:
This 20-foot sculpture is the focal point of the entry
circular driveway and interprets the theme of sun worship, earth,
water and fire. The sculpture is dynamic from all angles and is
variegated in the bronze facing so that the light plays dramatically
along the surfaces
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. A partial list of those
collections where Richen's works are displayed includes 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 works in bronze and steel, creating 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.” |
