COMBUSTION

Michigan artist Ray Katz sculptures are abstract. The abstract manipulation of form in space, to create visual balance using rhythm, action and movement, combine to create compositions that convey the implied energy found in his work. Striving for visual balance, and the implied energy of a compositional organization become an evolutionary process that he associates with the evolution of life experiences that we all commonly share. The process of change that occurs in all living things and especially human beings, fascinate Ray. The observation of these concepts in his  personal evolution contributes to the visual aspects of his sculpture. 

 Ray's creative process requires organizing separate parts into a whole. Initially much of this activity is spontaneous, both in large and small scale work. The elements are all fabricated individually then assembled by welding and bolting. 

As Ray states, "I have successfully installed large scale sculpture temporarily and permanently. I believe that Public Art transforms the way people look at visual phenomena in their environment. Whatever its form, Public Art attracts attention and effects peoples attitude toward their surroundings and often stimulates an exchange of ideas that can be enriching emotionally, intellectually and aesthetically".

This sculpture is for sale for $30,000.

A poem inspired by this sculpture:

Combustion of Color

Hephaestus ancient god of metalworking

hurls down old Detroit car parts

combusting through Napa heaven

to land metal motion frozen

thin poles yellowblack

giant pick up sticks

point to cloud stretched sky

redblue strands explode

trapped twisted

jumbled in a metal frame

surrounded by

forest woodland

peeking through geometric spaces

silent explosion beside vineyards on

ancient grounds of Wappo lands

By Joan Goodreau