Tyler Aiello - "Pod II," "Bloom II," and "Bloom IV"

Denver-based artist Tyler Aiello is an acclaimed sculptor, inventor, and educator. His work blends a deep interest in science and the natural world with a love of process and materials. Tyler shapes industrial materials into contemporary sculpture that references old-world craftsmanship. His works are composed of numerous small metal and wooden components which unite to create organic, biomorphic forms drawing inspiration from the worlds of microbiology, botany, chemistry and math. Tyler has also had the opportunity to consult with NASA and the science community which has provided constant inspiration. Throughout the process, a focus on detail is critical – both in terms of looking at the minute details in nature, as well as the nuances present in each piece.

Growing up in Colorado, Tyler has always had a love of nature, the changing of seasons, and the metamorphosis of landscapes. His botanical-inspired sculpture attempts to capture natural forms and processes, while focusing on detail, repetition, collectiveness, and craft. As an avid gardener, he has collected images and specimens for many years – tulips, bulb flowers, orchids, and carnivorous plants. He has also researched photomicrographic images of seeds, pollen and paleobotany. After immersing himself in visual inspiration, he translates these thoughts into sculpture – leaving the images behind and working in a more interpretive and inquisitive manner.

His studio practice involves a complex, laborious process to infuse his work with exquisite craftsmanship and detail. He hand-cuts and forges numerous small steel components, often engineering his own specialized tools and hammers. Tyler texturizes the metal components so that each piece has individual nuance and personality. These pieces are then welded together over carved plaster molds to create organic, abstracted forms. He spends considerable time finishing the work through polishing and patinas to emphasize the surface quality. The process is important to both the aesthetics of the work, as well as having a conceptual intent. Tyler is interested in “gestalt” ~ individual parts becoming wholes ~ a concept critical to chemistry, biology, and society.