about the artist

Fernando Calderon, a sculptor from Lima, Peru, has created art from a wide range of materials including: wood, bronze, iron, marble, ceramics, paper, gold and silver. He was awarded First Prize in Sculpture by the National Museum of Art in Peru, while working on his BFA in Sculpture at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. He has had solo exhibitions of his work in Peru, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale and Detroit, and has participated in over 50 group exhibitions. Calderon is also an award winning jewelry sculptor. He was a finalist in Tiffany and Company's 1990 Sterling Silver Competition in New York City and included in their "New Statements in Sterling" exhibition that toured nationwide. Calderon has Curated and Installed exhibitions for the U.S. Embassy in Peru, the Presidential Palace of Peru, the Pacific International Fair, the International Biennial of Trujillo, the Beaumont Foundation-Children's Miracle Network, and the Creative Art Center. In the later half of 1995 his work toured with the New Incentives For The Arts (NIFTA). In 1999, he began collaborating with two other artists to work on site specific installations and performance art. The group is named, “Dialoguistas” and is gaining national and international recognition with museums and galleries. He continues to be a many faceted artist with his sculpture, wall reliefs, furniture, drawings, installations and interior design.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Mahogany, Cherry and Maple are some of my favorite materials. The view I have of my work is influenced by the colors and textures of these woods. My furniture has many pieces, like a puzzle, with hours of dedication to the form and placement of each piece. The wood is cut, glued, carved, sanded and finished. I like a contrast in my pieces by using other types of wood. Details are all precisely designed necessities that allow me to transform my work.

Human energy drives the constant evolution of my sculptures. The search and desire to arrive at one line compels me to synthesize the human form as organic figures. To create, is to think and play with imaginary space. I energize myself in a fantasy world and try to decipher the unknown. I forget the world in which we live and try to translate my images into a new world of my own creation. It becomes an uncontrollable necessity and provides an emotional release. My work fills me with joy and makes me feel alive.