ENGAGING THE VIEWER

The welded steel sculptures created by Wisconsin artist Brady Lueck certainly fulfill his intention to inspire and engage the viewer.

“I spend a lot of time on each piece and I am certain my customers get considerable value when they choose my work.” His goal is to create sculptures that are appreciated by artists, welders, and people not commonly drawn to the art world.  “One of my favorite compliments came from a man who stated that he never had an interest in art.  After he spent ten minutes viewing one of my sculptures he thanked me for changing his mind.”

Unlike some artists who learn to use only a basic welding process to fasten one piece of metal to another, Brady uses a number of different techniques ranging from oxyacetylene welding to gas tungsten arc and gas metal arc welding.  He also incorporates plasma cutting when creating various designs.

His latest creation is a 6-week sculpture class that he teaches at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI. The class is designed to give people without welding or fabrication experience an orientation and basic skill to create a design of their own.  More experienced welders benefit from Brady’s experience and exploration of creative welding techniques to create compelling works of art.  “I am eager to share what I know and I hope to export the course to other schools, so that more people can experience the fun, challenge and pride of creating a sculpture of their own.”

 While Brady’s education was business focused, he earned many additional credits in art. Following graduation, he worked in a number of positions including construction, sales, and international business. But a career as a sculptor remained a primary desire. So he enrolled in night classes and proceeded to learn the welding trade.

“It was important to me to become a skilled welder before launching into a sculptural career,” Brady comments. “At the end of the year 2000, I left my management position with a floundering international reseller and returned to school full-time to complete my welding certificate and begin creating major works out of steel.”

”I think the most important elements of my work are pride and craftsmanship.  Anybody can slap some things together and call it a sculpture.  But, if you accept no less than the very best, your work will be appreciated and valued. The fact is that most artists working with welded steel are poor welders.  I devoted 2-years developing my skills as a welder before creating my first sculpture. There is no substitute for skilled work and a planned composition.”

“I believe that art should elevate human achievement and communicate the rational nature of mankind. My focus is to create work that tells a story and uplifts people in the spirit of Romanticism.”

Visit Brady Lueck's web site at http://www.sculpturalsteel.com Phone: (262) 949-6400