"Simple Shapes" Retrospective by Elliot Norquist
“Snow Squall” ink on paper (photo credit: Draper White)
“To be safe is not acceptable, to be great is the aspiration, and to crash is also part of the process.”
Carbondale Arts presented a retrospective exhibition titled “Simple Shapes” by metal sculptor Elliot Norquist at the Carbondale Arts Gallery, from October 7 - November 4, 2022. The community was invited to the opening reception on First Friday, October 7, from 5-7pm at The Launchpad, with an artist talk at 5:30pm with Elliot.
Carbondale-based artist Elliot Norquist is known primarily for his metal sculptures but this solo exhibition, a retrospective titled “Simple Shapes”, also includes prints on paper from the 1990s, steel works from various periods, as well as his most recent metal-based sculptures. All are inspired by simple shapes.
Elliot says, “Years of simple shapes (mostly squares) have run me through the gamut of choices in forms and finishes…severe, pure, bright, painted, rusted, old, worn, smooth, and rough: pieces in site, pieces about site. Pieces about walls or light, and pieces about both elements.”
Thank you, Sponsor!
This exhibition was generously supported by the Main Street Gallery and The Framer LTD, which has represented Western Colorado's finest artists and provided custom framing since 1982. Learn more at mainstreetgall.com.
Elliot Norquist, metal sculptor , Carbondale, CO
In 1989, when my son was born, I built a series of works in elemental shapes with bright colors…children’s colors. That show was a statement of joy and hope and color.
Now I am back there in a way (add 35+ years) with new shapes and different colors. The challenge is to make it work without losing the integrity of shape or color. Ask a painter about the power of color, and ask a sculptor about the power of shape. Ask me, somewhere in the middle, about the power of both things. That describes my current artistic efforts.
I’ve often told my students that the closest thing to a powerful piece is a really dumb piece. As a kayaker my son has had to choose the most powerful line down a rapid, which is often the line closest to disaster. I try for that line in sculpture. Much like any pursuit, to be safe is not acceptable, to be great is the aspiration, and to crash is also part of the process. The mix of all these creates art marked by passion, joy, regret, and best of all hope. My hope is to get to continue the process and the journey.
Learn more about the artist at elliotnorquistart.com
Short films by Fred Norquist (2’45”) and Abi Goldenberg (1’05”)
Enjoy an artist talk with artist Elliot Norquist from his opening reception of "Simple Shapes" on Friday, October 7, 2022.