David Luck Sculpture and Metalwork: A Portfolio

Copper and Brass Wall Sculptures; Copper Vessels; Cast Bronze Sculpture; Cast Iron Sculpture; Sheet Metal Sculpture; Repousse; Metal Relief

"DELTA" 2022,

"DELTA"  2022,

"Night Pieces" 2022

"Night Pieces"  2022
Hammer formed and Fabricated Sheet Copper, Brass and Other Metals, 27.5 inches wide by 39.5 inches long.

"Prairie Fire" 2020, Hammer Formed Copper, Brass and Patina, 27.5" by 27"

"Prairie Fire"  2020, Hammer Formed Copper, Brass and Patina,  27.5" by 27"

"Green Web" 2019, Hammer Formed Copper and Brass, 24" Long

"Green Web" 2019, Hammer Formed Copper and Brass, 24" Long

"Captured Impulses", 2017

"Captured Impulses",  2017

"Crested Box" 2012

"Crested Box"  2012
Copper, Brass, Patina 24.5 inches high

"Ruins of Babylon" 2011

"Ruins of Babylon" 2011
Hammer formed sheet copper and brass

"Forgotten Passage" 2010

"Forgotten Passage"  2010

Forgotten Passage

With "Forgotten Passage" (2010) I move even farther away from the grid structure of my earlier wall sculptures. Shape becomes even more important because I use an arch, which also has an open interior, as my basic visual structure. Rather than relying on the juxtaposition of different textural forms, I visually tie together the individual sections with lines in the reliefs that lead the eye from one section to the next, giving the sculpture an organic presence. It almost looks like the arch is morphing from an architectural element into a plant like structure. "Forgotten Passage" has taught me a lot about the possibilities for hammer formed images and it has given me new directions for future sculptures.







"Hunters Moon", 2008,

"Hunters Moon", 2008,
"Hunters Moon", 2008
Copper, Brass and Patina
27.5 inches by 59 inches

In "Hunters Moon" I chose to use only three different pattern variations as elements in a composition that builds unity out of fragmantation. I still use the grid structure, but instead of making each square different, I combine similar elements together to make the background with the moon form within it. I reinforce the round moon image by allowing it to extend outside the usual rectangular boundary of the grid shape. This makes the outline of my sculpture more interesting, yet still keeps it within the structural requirements that allow it to hang properly. Finally, I applied patina to each piece separately then assembled them so that the subtle changes in color adds another layer to the composition of "Hunters Moon".

"Hunters Moon" 2008

"Hunters Moon"  2008

"Shared Rhythms"

"Shared Rhythms"
Commissioned through Iowa's Art in State Buildings program for the University of Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Completed in 1984 and measures 6.5' wide by 4'.

Hammer Formed Sheet Metal Sculptures

The past, present and future are connected in the rich tapestries of my embossed, metal wall sculptures. A fabricated checkerboard grid of linked copper and brass plates provides the structural support and is the basis of my visual system. Like a large tablet of hieroglyphics, my sculpture explores the tension between the tactile and the visual. Each sculpture becomes a striking focal point that will capture everyone’s attention.

From the past, I employ hammer-forming techniques that were already well established in ancient times. Each individual sheet metal plate is embossed with a different emblematic relief. From practice and improvisation my visual language communicates with shapes, forms, textures and patterns. I weave these elements into a layered composition of intertwining visual rhythms that ripple across the sculpture’s surface. Each sculpture compliments and enhances its architectural setting with a strong presence.

From a distance, it's the overall composition and shape of the sculpture that draws the viewer’s attention. The fragmented surface responds like a kaleidoscope of shapes and shadows as the light and viewing angle change. This is just the first level of the experience. As one moves closer, the embossed detail of each section becomes clearer, revealing more embedded content. Unrelated talismanic images are often juxtaposed so that the viewer must now focus on each individual icon. Each symbol will conjure interpretations, associations and unique memories to everyone who interacts with it. On every viewing, new facets are revealed so that every encounter becomes a new and different experience.

I let contemporary images and events influence me as I chronicle and commemorate today’s visual environment to make each new sculpture unique. Stylized to blend with the quality of the sculpture, these new artifacts anchor my sculptures to the present.

Each sculpture has a timeless quality. As time goes by, the harmony of the embossed elements will continue to jog the memories and to engage the emotions of new viewers. Though rooted in the primitive pictorial language of the past, my sculptures will communicate with you in the future.




"Rhythm Grid"

"Rhythm Grid"

Wall Sculpture

Wall Sculpture
Fabricated Copper Sheet

A Working Drawing

A Working Drawing
This is one of the drawings for the Copper Wall Sculpture from 1979.

Wall Sculpture Installation

Wall Sculpture Installation

"Sideshow" 1981

"Sideshow" 1981

"Sideshow" 1981

"Sideshow" 1981
Copper, Nickle Silver and Brass, 64" long

"Copper Bottle"

"Copper Bottle"

Sheet Copper Forming and Fabricating

Sheet Copper Forming and Fabricating

"Copper Bottle"

"Copper Bottle"

"Chevron 2" 1986

"Chevron 2"  1986
Cast Bronze, 12" X 12'

"Playhouse" 1986

"Playhouse" 1986
Cast Bronze

"Unicorn"

"Unicorn"

"Teutonic"

"Teutonic"

"#8" Cast Iron

"#8" Cast Iron

Mold Making

Mold Making

"Strata 2: The Inside is Out" 2005

"Strata 2: The Inside is Out" 2005

"Meanderings"

"Meanderings"

Lamp

Lamp

"Diamondback"

"Diamondback"