Patrick Gracewood

As an artist, I carve space, materials, and time.

For over twenty years, I designed and created architectural ornament for new buildings and restored historic terra-cotta facades. This professional work influenced both philosophically and technically my own fine art.
 

The classical nature motifs used as architectural ornament: acanthus, oak, laurel leaves, fruit-and-flower garlands represent a long tradition honoring the relationship between civilization and nature. Human beings inherently crave the comfort of civilization and the vitality of nature. The combination of nature, sculpture and architecture is our cultural DNA. 

As a life long gardener I bring the garden inside and take the art outside. The leap is to take the art object and site it to create an environment. My art continues the classical tradition by connecting the natural and the built environments. In a modern world of concrete and virtual experiences, this tradition of nature-inspired art is vital to our survival. I believe that art about our relationship with the living Earth is art that will speak to future generations.