If you are interested in art and sculpture, Botkins, Ohio is the place to be July 26-27, 2008, for the Second Annual Botkins Sculpture Invitational that will feature numerous artists from across the country.  The free event opens each day at 10:00 a.m.

Returning this year is Michael Baker of Salisbury, North Carolina.  Michael works mainly with stainless steel, sculpting pieces for interior or exterior spaces in residential and corporate settings.   His work is compiled of various life inspirations such as architecture, the artist David Smith, a piece of scrap metal on the studio floor, an interest in geometric shapes and, most importantly, an inquisitive mind.

“I begin with rough sketches, but throughout the process, exploration may take me in new directions,” Michael explains.  “My focus includes fabricating geometric shapes, then arranging those shapes to determine the visual composition of the sculpture.” 

Working primarily with 304L stainless steel, Michael uses the gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process. 

“I will vary from the 304L stainless if I have an installation to complete in areas of the country, such as Florida, that are exposed to high moisture or salt water that is more corrosive to the individual piece,” says Michael. 

“I fabricate similar forms, but find the results are both connected in some cases and totally disconnected in others,” continues Michael.  “I find working in this method leads to various “series” that are seen in my work.”

Michael has been commissioned by Mr. Frank Thaman of Sidney, Ohio to create a sculpture for the Botkins Community Park in Botkins, Ohio.  The sculpture will be the first at the park and will be installed prior to this year’s Botkins Sculpture Invitational.

“I find the actual design and construction process very personal and somewhat hard to describe,” says Michael, “and therefore, leave interpretations to you, the viewer.”

Michael Baker Studios is located in a converted commercial bakery building known as EastSquare ArtWorks in historic Salisbury, North Carolina, providing loft living and ground floor working studio space.  Michael’s abstract stainless steel sculpture works beautifully in residential and landscaped surroundings such as gardens, poolside, and private entries as well as corporate lobbies, public areas and grounds. 

The 2^nd Annual Botkins Sculpture Invitational setting is the Botkins Community Park just off Interstate 75 at exit 104.  See http://www.botkinssculpture.com/ for more information. 

Please see www.michaelbaker.com or www.eastsquareartworks.com for more information about Michael Baker’s Sculptures.