Apis (2023) Sculpture by Erik Ebeling

Erik Ebeling is a contemporary American sculptor. He embarked on his creative education by studying at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute of Art in Florence, Italy, a city steeped in artistic history and inspiration. In 2005, he completed his academic pursuits at Drake University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in graphic design, with a particular focus on painting.

Ebeling's professional career began with a role as a senior graphic designer for Disney Interactive, where he honed his skills in the realm of graphic design. However, his true passion had always resided in the world of sculpture, a lifelong fascination that beckoned him to return.

Working primarily with water-based clay, Erik now creates his sculptures from the comfort of his home studio nestled in the vibrant artistic community of Portland, Oregon. What sets him apart is his commitment to overseeing every aspect of the sculpting process. From the initial conceptualization and detailed drawings to crafting small maquettes and proceeding through the molding and final casting stages, Erik Ebeling is intimately involved in each phase of his creations.

In his current body of work, Ebeling delves into the realm of mythological figures and creatures, drawing inspiration from both ancient legends and contemporary narratives. However, his approach is unique in that he doesn't portray these figures as dynamic heroes in action but rather as contemplative observers, caught in enigmatic, meditative moments. This deliberate choice invites viewers to engage with the sculptures on a personal level, allowing them to interpret the mood and atmosphere evoked by the physical presence of the figure, unburdened by a rigid narrative.

With these solitary figures, Erik pursues a sense of ethereal and elusive beauty, seeking to capture a nebulous quality that transcends a fixed meaning. His artistic exploration extends to the interplay of light and textured surfaces, where forms can simultaneously feel rugged yet convey the impression of a finely detailed figure. Ebeling firmly believes that sculpture should be designed to captivate the viewer from all angles and distances. As one approaches the artwork, the figure's ambiguous demeanor prompts deeper contemplation of emotions, meanings, and metaphors, inviting a profound connection and introspection.

In essence, Erik Ebeling's artistic endeavor strives to achieve a delicate balance between the ancient and the modern. His sculptures possess a fragmented quality reminiscent of classical marbles, yet they are undeniably contemporary, marked by gestural textures and modern materials. In his art, he creates a timeless dialogue that resonates with viewers, capturing the essence of both the past and the present, inviting us all to immerse ourselves in the intriguing world he has crafted.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : 1982
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary American Artists