“I am fascinated by Public Sculpture and I absolutely love it.”
Michael Shewmaker, the contemporary sculptor of today, works in stainless steel, aluminum and bronze and even concrete. As a child, his love for sculpture began after seeing the Gateway Arch go up in St Louis, Missouri. He went on to appreciate and study American sculptor Alexander Calder. As a result, in his youth, Shewmaker decided to study metalsmithing at Southern Illinois University. Working with his hands became a lifelong passion. This and his love of art led him to pursue sculpture on a serious basis.
Shewmaker’s mirror-polished stainless steel sculptures are most captivating. Although decidedly abstract, his works have a definite feel of the living with a muscular structure and vivacious energy. The polished surfaces reflect the character of their surroundings and provide a liquid and mercurial appearance. Many of his masterpieces can be seen throughout the United States. For example, the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs purchased Exe for a permanent installation in their community. The Simpsonville Art Foundation of Simpsonville, SC. purchased Brace for their village. Leviatano was obtained by the Annmarie Sculpture Garden of Dowell, MD for their permanent collection. . Vita (Shewmaker’s most popular design) is on long term loan to Grounds for Sculpture, the huge sculpture garden in New Jersey.
Originally from Illinois, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Southern Illinois University and did Art History graduate work at the University of Florida and San Diego State University. Mr. Shewmaker currently lives and works from his studio on the Big Island in Hawaii. He is vigorously building a 3 acre sculpture garden of his work there.
