Adventures in Abstract Art

Posted on February 11, 2015

Sculptor Bob Zasadny is one of two artists who have artwork featured in the “Adventures in Abstract Art” gallery at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Bob, who strives to make creations that can be appreciated by all walks of life, took the time to share his artistic techniques and favorite pieces with us. Q: How does the sculpting process work? A: There are two processes that I use. Carving various foams or covering a wire frame with stretchy cloth. In both cases, I try to obtain material that I get for free, as a lot of my sculptures are made with unusual recycled material. I use electrical copper wire and nylon stockings sometimes! I can get similar results with both processes but the wire and cloth method is a little faster and gives me the more fluid shapes that I prefer.  Q: Your pieces are very intricate; how much time do you spend on one sculpture? A:  A typical smaller piece, about 18" tall with a smooth surface, can take up to 30 hours. A textured finish can still take 15 hours. Some of the materials I use to create texture are: sand, sawdust, iron filings, ground up coal or window glass, Rice Crispies, glass blasting beads or whatever else I can recycle or obtain that I think will make an interesting surface. Q: Rice Crispies? That sounds very interesting and delicious; tell us more about that piece. A: The piece I call “Snap, Crackle and Pop,” using Rice Crispies, took over 50 hours to make because I had never done anything like that before and developed the process as I went. The large pearl white rectangular piece was once just a large Styrofoam shipping block that I carved, covered with aluminum foil and fiberglass, then gel coat and pearl paint. That piece is another favorite and was carved on Valentine’s Day about 7 years ago. You can see a heart shape in the hole. Q: Any other favorite sculptures on display at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey? A: The large gold sculpture, which is one of my favorite pieces, called “Triaxial Ellipsoid,” took over 200 hours to design and create. “Adventures in Abstract Art” gallery is open now through February 28; click here for details.