We're excited to spotlight the work of David Engdahl, an artist whose connection to nature and background in architecture shape his unique sculptural creations. Raised in Pennsylvania and now a long-time resident of Jacksonville, David's work is deeply influenced by his surroundings, translating the natural environment into elegant forms. With over five decades of experience, David's approach to sculpture is both methodical and deeply personal, drawing on his rich family heritage of craftsmanship. In our interview, David shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his art, and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision. Please enjoy our Q+A with David, and learn something new!
FAC: Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
David: I was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania but have lived in Jacksonville for 51 years. My venture into sculpture from architecture came directly from a Pennsylvania State sponsored exhibition I attended in 1971. My work is influenced by nature, which Florida has in abundance. Many of my forms come directly from the natural environment here.
FAC: Did you always want to be an artist? Have you always used this medium?
David: My ancestry is craftsmen and artists going back generations on both sides of my family. My dad was a fine tool and die maker and my mother was a regionally known artist in Pennsylvania. I had my own workbench and tools when I was four years old. I still use some of those tools.
While in architecture school, I had courses in surveying and was always intrigued as to how a three-dimensional object (the earth's surface, or any object) can be described using a two-dimensional system (contours). So, it was natural for me to use a contour system in creating sculptures.
FAC: Describe your creative process.
David: My sculpture is the integrity of form, material and process. I have a three-inch-thick notebook of sculpture and form idea sketches that I've kept from the start of my sculpture career. I use a process exactly like an architect would: concept sketches, working drawings (describing each layer which is a different shape from the next), laying out the pieces on plywood, cutting them out, gluing the rough form together, smoothing the form with an angle grinder, finish sanding and then applying a clear finish. My sculpture finish is always the natural color of the wood, except in cases where I apply an obvious stain color.
FAC: Tell us about the first artwork you remember creating?
David: I've been creating art since the earliest I can remember. In sculpture, I first tried to carve a small Cedar log, unsuccessfully. Next, I found a small three-foot long timber which had been in the ocean a long time and had as beautiful silver patina. I wanted to maintain the integrity of the timber while transitioning it into a sculpture. So, I made some geometric cuts into the timber exposing the natural color wood interior. Then I starting using plywood and a contour system to create sculpture and have been using that technique for 53 years. I still see unlimited possibilities in that system.
FAC: What experience has been most important in developing the direction of your work?
David: Of course, my architectural training, which included art courses. And my architectural career, which was parallel to my sculpture career.
FAC: Has the direction or style of your work changed since that experience?
David: Not a lot, but I can see the evolution in that my forms are now much more sophisticated and much more highly finished.
FAC: What is one piece of advice you would offer to inspiring artists?
David: DON'T DO YOUR ARTWORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING!!! That forces you to use others' criteria rather than your own. If you do your work for YOU, using only your own criteria, what you can conceive and what you can create, then it becomes you. Others see you in your artwork. When others like your work, it encourages you to keep creating work for you. That said, it is good to occasionally do a commission where you are forced to use others' criteria. That experience may open avenues of thought that you alone might never pursue. Two-thirds of the sculptures I've sold have been to people who know me. And don't repeat work--it's never as good the second time.
FAC: What's the best advice you've received?
David: When I was in architecture school, I had a professor named Jack Frost for a watercolor course. One day for class he set up a still life and students were to copy it. Jack came by my desk and said "David, I can see that you are not interested in this exercise. Just turn your chair around and paint something out the window if you want". I did, and that taught me to create art with which I was excited and engaged.
FAC: What motivates you to create?
David: Challenge. Each sculpture starts with a vision in my head that does not exist in reality. I challenge myself to make my vision real. By challenging yourself, you learn about life.
FAC: How do you know when a piece is "complete”?
David: An artwork is never complete. At some point you just have to call it complete. I know an artist who works and reworks her paintings for years until she calls them complete, and a year or two later, after showing the work in exhibitions, she may rework them again. Artists and artists' perspectives change.
FAC: As an artist, how do you define success?
David: Being satisfied yourself that you met your vision, your challenge.
FAC: How do museums, galleries and other art spaces, such as Fogle Art Consulting/CX904 play a role in the world of a practicing artist?
David: Art institutions may expose your work to those you can't reach.
FAC: What are some concepts/ideals that you want people to get out of your work?
David: Artists ought not to tell people what their art means. Artists can share how they came about creating the work. I've been creating sculpture for 53 years and I can't tell you what it means. Each person views an artwork through their own lens and life experience. The art means different things to every viewer. I try to create work that is positive and uplifting, exuberant.
FAC: How do you find inspiration and joy in your own work?
David: Creating sculpture is hard work. To me, that hard work is fun as I see the vision emerge.
FAC: What are you working on at the moment?
David: I keep multiple pieces in process concurrently. That way I can match the various operations with my capabilities (mental and physical) at any given time.
FAC: Do you have any upcoming projects you want to share/promote?
David: I have a Three-person exhibition at Florida School of the Arts in Palatka, FL. I last showed there 31 years ago.
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