August Kochanowski

August KochanowskiAugust KochanowskiAugust Kochanowski

August Kochanowski

August KochanowskiAugust KochanowskiAugust Kochanowski

August Kochanowski

About

A fourth-generation blacksmith who lives and works in the heart of Central Wisconsin. He received his MFA in sculpture from the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis, and his BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.


Kochanowski was chosen for the 2017 Fellowship at the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist’s Residency in Saugatuck, Michigan; in 2020, he was the visiting artist for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; and in 2022 he participated in iron pour at the Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum in Solsberry, Indiana.

Process

It starts with an idea

Artist Statement

 

My work traverses the nuanced boundary between figuration and abstraction, using the human figure as a conduit to explore themes of personal identity and struggle. As a fourth-generation blacksmith, the medium of blacksmithing is intrinsic to my artistic expression, connecting me to my heritage and shaping my unique perspective. The essence of my creative process is rooted in the belief that the most profound aspects of life emerge from struggle, and this belief is intricately woven into the fabric of my sculptures.


At the heart of my work lies the concept of ruins. These ruins are not merely remnants of the past but profound symbols of the complexities of identity and the human condition. They embody the layers of time, incidents, and stories that shape who we are. When we encounter a fragment of a figure, it is natural to ask, "What happened to the rest of it? Why did it break?" This questioning mirrors my own journey of self-discovery and the fragmented nature of personal identity.


Through my sculptures, I aim to highlight the significance of struggle in shaping identity and the enduring impact of our cultural heritage on our sense of self. In a homogenized world dominated by technology, my work seeks to inspire individuals to embrace their struggles and, through them, discover their own unique identities. My sculptures are an exploration of the ruins within us, a dialogue between the past and the present, and a celebration of the fragmented yet profoundly meaningful aspects of our identities. My artwork allows me to physically manifest these concepts, transforming raw materials into sculptures that echo the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.


Moreover, my work uses the ruin as a metaphor to examine broader social issues. By presenting figures in various states of disintegration, I reflect on the transient nature of human constructs and the impermanence of societal norms. These fragmented sculptures provoke questions about what our cultural ruins reveal about our collective values, histories, and the socio-political forces that shape our world. They invite viewers to consider the impact of time, conflict, and change on communities and cultures, encouraging a deeper understanding of the social fabric that binds us.


By engaging with these pieces, viewers are invited to reflect on their own identities and the societal structures that influence them, fostering a dialogue on resilience, heritage, and the enduring human spirit.

Portfolio

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August Sculpture

3349 County Road H, Junction City, Wisconsin 54443, United States

715-347-1956

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