Artist Statement/Biography

Love of the Arizona Desert shows in the work of this artist.  Steel is the main component of each sculpture, with some added accents to individualize every piece.   Sculptures are complimented by his experience working with jewelry leather and wood. These other materials add Southwest character increasing the significance and meaning in each piece.  Some of the components used: Copper, Silver, and Turquoise - representing the rich minerals and gems found in the Southwest desert; Leather and native woods add a warm contrast to the cold steel in addition to the rich color and texture they contribute.  Each sculpture is produced using Arc and Oxy/Acetylene Welding processes.  Steel is cut, bent, melted, and welded to form the basic design.  Grinding and sanding completes the metalwork.  The metal is then treated to add color, oxidation, and black values.  Accents are added completing the sculpture.  The employment of these different elements and methods allows the artist to compose a work of art that stimulates interest aesthetically and formally. 

The sculpture designs are inspired from historical influences and life experiences.  These inspirations are transformed into a personal interpretation through the eyes of the artist.  His goal is to create a unique work of art that will endure and intrigue for many years to come.

 "My thanks go out to mom and dad for encouragement and support, my kids (Sean and Amy) for giving me inspiration to succeed, and to artist Bruce Butler for sharing his vast knowledge of welded sculpture." - Manny Venezuela

ACID JAZZ

The sculpture consists of steel pieces, with varying size and shapes.   The flute is made of Native Arizona mesquite wood.  The name ”Acid Jazz” was derived from my love of jazz and the sculpture’s crazy hair.  

The construction process involves cutting and welding of steel, utilizing Oxy/Acetylene and Arc Welding.  The flute was hand carved from a piece of mesquite that was finished with salad bowl oil to give it a natural appearance (and it’s edible).  His ankles are wrapped with deer skin.    

The different textures incorporated on the body are done with a welder to build up the different forms and add to the aesthetic value.  The hair integrates rust for texture and color.  Finally, the entire sculpture is clear coated to protect from further oxidation.

BRAIN FREEZE

The sculpture consists mainly of steel pieces, with varying size and shapes, and one glass block.  The name "Brain Freeze" was derived from the glass block used for the head.  The construction process involves cutting and welding of steel, utilizing Oxy/Acetylene and Arc Welding.  The flute was hand wrought from a flat piece of sheet metal that was hammered along the length of the inside to form it into a partially abstract tube which then was completed from the outside.  The different textures are incorporated with a welder to build up the different forms and add to the aesthetic value.  Some of the pieces integrate rust for texture and color, then all of the steel is clear coated to protect from further oxidation.

Formal Aspects:

The overall form is a portrayal of ancient petroglyphs created by Native Americans on rock surfaces. The different diagonals created by the limbs and flute give the piece its sense of movement, this movement is made fluid by the curvature of the back and hair.  The varied textures manipulate the light causing reflections that go in all directions.   By using an accent light on the sculpture at night or against a dark background the light reflective and redirection properties create an interesting form as shiny highlights are illuminated and subdued colors recessed.   The texture also serves as a signature of the rocks, which display the ancient petroglyphs. The width of the body is very slim in proportion to the other dimensions, which was done to signify the 2 dimensionality of the ancient forms created on rocks, which inspired this piece.