Mark Gottschalk

"My work fuses the industrial qualities of metal with the organic characteristics of wood. The contrast between soft edge and hard edge, machine and organic have always held a fascination for me. My earlier kinetic pieces were complex wood and metal machines that worked hard to accomplish little. My current work focuses on the quintessential elements of fish. "

The mahogany and polished metal pieces focus on the dissimilar characteristics of machined, polished surfaces and the natural qualities of wood. The designs emphasize streamlined forms, clean shapes, and simple lines reminiscent of pieces from the Art Deco and Precisionism movements. Currently, Mark is working with wood, color, and metal which has led to his current series of contemporary fish. Brilliant transparent colors and new fluid designs further complement Mark's interest in graceful lines.

Gottschalks cuts his pieces on computerized machinery. Once the rough wood shapes are laminated together, he shapes them with wood files and sanding drums. The mahogany pieces are dyed and lacquered. The aluminum IS cut, sanded, and then polished or brushed. Bold Transparent pigments are blended to color the most recent designs which are then highlighted with a coat of crystal clear VOC resin.

Gottschalk received his BFA degree from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he studied under light artist Cork Marcheski and sculptor Dick Graham. While at MCAD, Gottschalk worked under George Morrison to create Morrison's "Red Totems."