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turchin center for the visual arts

Definance

Defiance

Mark A. Connelley
Brevard, NC
Corten steel, stainless steel, cast iron

Honorable Mention: 31st Rosen Sculpture Competition

The Dance by Wayne Vaughn
The Dance by Wayne Vaughn
The Dance by Wayne Vaughn

Artist Comments

As an artist, and in my life as a whole, I am strongly influenced by art, architecture and themes from ancient times, particularly megalithic structures. These forms, ideas and images inspire me as I create sculpture in a manner that can be characterized as contemporary or even industrial, linking the past to the present. I strive for balance in this work, incorporating a variety of forces, elements and ideas. Tension versus harmony. Elegance versus brutal strength. Ancient versus modern. Tangible versus ethereal. Each of my pieces has a story. Each has a name and a voice that is unique and proud. They are influenced by time but are set in the present, history reimagined and a future yet to be discovered.

The literal description of defiance is “a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force,” and that is what I strive to project in this piece as I explore opposing forces and the concept of balance and form. Modern, counterbalanced shapes resist one another while creating a unified, monolithic structure reminiscent of ancient stone structures.

Defiance is a piece with venerable inspiration but with industrial construction. As it points boldly to the sky, this contrast in form, materials and finishes speaks to the contrasts in our lives while the stainless-steel accent at the top symbolizes the hope of balance and unification amidst resistance.

-Mark A. Connelley

About the Artist

Mark Connelley is a sculptor and landscape artist who works primarily in steel and natural materials to create large-scale sculpture and engaging environments.
With a background in landscape architecture and land planning, Mark spent many years designing projects throughout the world. His extensive experience, which involves conceptual design, master planning, sculpture park and garden design and detailed design exposed him to a wide variety of art, architecture and cultures. As a sculptor, Mark not only creates large-scale sculpture but also enjoys creating the environments in which the pieces are featured and the collaborative process that is involved with every project.

For more information, visit www.macworks-art.com.

34th Rosen Sculpture Competition >>