FIGURE: In nature, many shells grow in a geometric pattern known as a Fibonacci sequence or "golden spiral." The shapes take on a new dimension as works of art made of wood. (Art by Andy DiPietro)
Rhapsody in Blue (art by Andy DiPietro)
Wood sculptor Andy DiPietro is new to LBI, but he is no stranger to the art of turning and shaping wood into curved, curved, circular, and angular objects that inspire curiosity and wonder.
The Burlington resident says he grew up in suburban Philadelphia's Delaware Valley and moved to New Jersey in 1982 to get his first job as a mechanical engineer after graduating from Drexel University.
He explains that the wood he admires is the primary medium through which he creates various styles of wood carvings and wooden vase shapes.
Largely self-taught, DiPietro received his carpentry training while attending the Milton Hershey School. He learned carpentry in fifth grade and has worked diligently as a carpenter for 20 years. As a senior engineer in the foundry industry, DiPietro has spent more than 40 years designing large foundry equipment using 3D Computer Aided Design. A few years before he retires, he plans to become a full-time artist.
Along the way, he took many woodturning classes at international symposiums. Every spring since 2011, he has participated in the Echo Lake Collaborative Conference, a three-day sculpture event at Bucks County Community College.
"On the Loop" (art by Andy DiPietro)
Ripples of Moonlight (art by Andy DiPietro)
DiPietro really discovered his talent in 2005, he says. After five years in the woodworking field, he realized that woodworking was not his passion, but the lure of organic wood fibers. He built his workshop and began working with wood to create artistic pots and hollow vases.
"The natural beauty of wood inspired me to create flowing art forms instead of boxy cabinets," he says. In 2007, he began accepting judges at art shows and selling his work.
For him, the transition to art “changed everything mentally and socially. It makes my beautiful life even better. As a "Type A" personality, I was too focused on my work and needed a new relationship with art and nature. I have made many new friends locally and around the world through my comeback club and online forums.
"Most people admire my unique shape and the beauty of the wood and finish," says DiPietro. "They said, 'How did you do it?' or "I don't think it's possible to make it out of wood."
Find Luker's Wildflower Cricket online too! at Barnegat Light and introduced himself and his work - an instant connection.
In response to whether his style was born or developed, DiPietro said: “A lot of art is inherited.
"I was forced to create a unique style that would set me apart from the norm. I spent hours experimenting with shape, wood selection, color, and texture to create it. As a design engineer, I have always loved designing and building equipment. But I never found anything unique that could be patented.
"As a woodcarver, I can find my true voice and create a unique dynamic style of woodcarving."
He said that a series of shell-shaped wall sculptures have been erected on the island recently. Shells is an abstract, fluid and surprising reinterpretation. Check it out at woodartforms.com.
"I was fascinated by the geometry of the shell shape, and it's all about my technical side," he says. "It also brings back good childhood memories of playing at the beach."
Today, DiPietro has a fully equipped 650-square-foot studio workshop in his basement.
"The natural beauty of wood inspires me and calls me to bring it to life as a magnificent work of art. I have never cut down a tree; I reuse wood cut by landscapers. I studied sculpture in marble and glass in search of form and inspiration.
Check out his creative process at Woodartforms.com; Go to the About menu and click on the video.
DiPietro is a member of the American Woodturners Association, Wood Art Collectors, Bucks County Woodturners, DelVal Woodturners, and the Philadelphia Wood Art Center. Membership in organizations and communities is "essential for arts education and development," he said.
Its size options range from 12 to 36 inches in length or diameter, and it works with half logs weighing from 50 to 150 pounds.
By sharing his sculptures, DiPietro shares his deep understanding of figure and form and hopes his art helps viewers "reconnect with the beauty of nature enhanced by the beauty of art."
In addition to her online store at Woodartforms.com, she exhibits and sells her work at New Hope Arts, the Wayne Art Center, and other venues. The complete list of exhibitions is on the website.
victoria@thesandpaper.net
