Michael Hermesh

My primary interest is in figurative sculpture utilizing bronze, ceramic and wood mediums. I am working on multiple element pieces utilizing inferred space.
In my work, form, composition and tension are only a means to express spirit and emotion as esthetics. Art is successful to the degree than an emotional or spiritual dialogue has taken place with the viewer engaged in such a way as to engender participation in the work.
Sculpture is capturing the transition from one state to another; thematically through movement and tension in composition, and in the idea that spirit can be transmuted to flesh or clay.
I feel accessibility is not a failure in my art. A byproduct of my sculpture tends to be non-deliberate humor, which I welcome. My sculpture does not concern itself with layers of meaning, but rather, deals with the dignity of the spirit and explores the idea that artistic creation is true creation - and in that sense true magic.

Review of Michael Hermesh's exhibition in Galleries West on-line HERE

Mockingbird in an Orange Bush - small Bronze 13 x 7 x 9 inches

Mockingbird in an Orange Bush - small Bronze 13 x 7 x 9 inches

This Crown of Light - Detail Ceramic Sculpture 54 x 10 x 10 inches		This Crown of Light Ceramic Sculpture 54 x 10 x 10 inches

Artist At Work Bronze Available On Order 12 x 9 x 7 inches	Artist At Work Bronze Available On Order 12 x 9 x 7 inches

Bust of Frank Hydrocal 17 x 17 x 12 inches

Me and my shadow - detail Ceramic Sculpture 44 x 6 x 5 inches	Me and my shadow Ceramic Sculpture 44 x 6 x 5 inches

The Scar Bronze 17 x 6 x 5 inches	The Scar - Detail Bronze 17 x 6 x 5 inches

Sometimes our shadows grow longer - detail Ceramic Sculpture 18 x 3 x 3 inches	Sometimes our shadows grow longer Ceramic Sculpture 18 x 3 x 3 inches

Warrior Petitions for Redemption Ceramic Original 21 x 4 x 4 inches	Portrait of a Thin Man II Bronze 30 x 6 x 6 inches	Portrait of a Thin Man II Bronze 30 x 6 x 6 inches

Exhibition "Forged Identities" October 2005
Artist Statement
Art as a discipline is a totally artificial construct, but it is one of the most beautiful ideas that we have created.
My job as an artist is to discover truth and through my art to give it a name, this is done in the same way that a word in everyday use describes an idea or an object. The problem is that once a word is used to describe it, it in essence becomes an icon. When this is applied to reality it is at best an approximation, and at its worst, a lie.
The artist wants to get at truth before it is named, and in so doing destroy realities contained in icons and assumptions. So art is always revolutionary destroying reality in favor of truth.
As an artist I treat myself the same way, tearing myself down only to rebuild myself as best I can in a truer form, never expecting truth but always looking for it. I would suggest that rebuilding oneself constantly is the basis of sanity and on a larger scale this is the service that art provides society - a fundamental pathway to sanity.
Art is vital and will continue to be vital as older images become icons, truth becomes shrouded, and new visions are required.
Whenever I find myself not acting I am filled with joy and admiration…
Michael Hermesh

Mocking Bird in an Orange Bush Bronze 19 x 29 x 21 inches

Mocking Bird in an Orange Bush (detail) Bronze 19 x 29 x 21 inches

The Tourist Bronze 10 x 6 x 6 inches	Every man for himself Ceramic Original 33 x 7 x 7 inches

Joyco, Joyco & Boyce share a vision, Roland, Gandalf & Peaches did not! Bronze 18 x 9 x 9 inches	Joyco, Joyco & Boyce share a vision, Roland, Gandalf & Peaches did not! Bronze 18 x 9 x 9 inches

The Rapture Bronze 26 x 9 x 9 inches	The Rapture (detail) Bronze 26 x 9 x 9 inches

Waiting for the Sun Bronze 30 x 7 x 7 inches	Waiting for the Sun Bronze 30 x 7 x 7 inches

Here is "Frank".

Frank Public Art in Pentiction	Frank Public Art in Pentiction

The Sundancer Bronze 18 x 4 x 4 inches	The Sundancer Bronze 18 x 4 x 4 inches

Portrait of a Thin Man I Bronze 14 x 3 x 3 inches

Who am I Bronze 26 x 19 x 8 inches	Who am I Bronze 26 x 19 x 8 inches	Who am I Bronze 26 x 19 x 8 inches

Exhibitions
SUMMERLAND ART GALLERY, Summerland, B.C. 2001 - Current
The Summerland Community Arts Council selected "The Brave Retreat" sculpture as the front image for their Spring 2001 Newsletter and The Frieze of the Arts "The Potter" sculpture as the front image for their Fall 2001 Newsletter.

The Dancer Ceramic	Monument to an important Man Ceramic 15 x 4 x 4 inches	The Vision Ceramic

Group Shows:
Participation in September 2001 group show. Seven pieces displayed.
Frieze: Creation and production of a public Summerland sculpture, "The Frieze of the Arts". This 24 foot by 4 foot ceramic series depicts ten, approximately ¾ life-sized sculptures depicting the diversity of various cultural arts. It was kiln-fired in sections and is mounted on the front of the Summerland Arts Centre. The height of each piece is approximately 40 inches.

Art Exhibition:
Participated in a highly attended, successful two-man Art Exhibition at the Summerland Arts Centre and Gallery running from March 30 through April 25, 2001. Approximately 34 of my wood and ceramic sculptures were exhibited. Installed and set up the exhibit, publicized show with radio stations, newspapers and retail outlet posters, the work being very well received by the general public as well as my peers.

Art Walk:
Approached by the Summerland Art Gallery to participate in the Summer of 2001 Art Walk. Selected artists exhibit artwork at retail establishments throughout Summerland.

Carved Wood Sign:
Subsequent to submission of drawings, was accepted and secured a contract from the Corporation of the District of Summerland for a large, commissioned carved and guilded sign for mounting on the front of the Summerland Arts Centre and Gallery.


To view sold sculptures by Michael Hermesh click HERE