Shaping meaning in wood, metal and stone

Sometimes meaning in a piece of art is quite evident. Other times the piece needs to be studied and reflected on to achieve the meaning within the work. Sometimes the work has no meaning except to the artist.

All three types can be found at Robert Gottschall’s studio, deep in the woods, where native black walnut trees can be found, and the burl wood is used in his creations. His works are all around his studio and looks like you would picture a sculptor’s studio out in the remote hills with creations on tables and desks. Some are finished. Some have been unfinished for over twenty years, but all are special and pleasing to the eye, refreshing for the spirit.

With Covid, his last accomplishment was “Robert Gottschall 50 by 50,” a live virtual event signifying his 50 years in the business and 50 one-man art showings. It was a notable event held in December 2020. Although the prices for his works can go near $100,000, he’s sincere in his craft and pretty down to earth.

In 2000, “The Carpenter,” commissioned by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, was created. The two life-sized sculptures were bound for their D.C. headquarters, and International Training Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the studio are models and pieces of the impressive carpenter, ready to hit the nail on the head.

He’s also a raconteur, a storyteller. His stories wind from tales about his father, the Army frogman, who was once engaged to Betty Grable to his own tales of being born in Hollywood, the numerous wealthy patrons of his works and past loves, including a ballerina.

His studios were in magical places such as: Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Tucson, Dripping Springs, Houston, Wimberley and Aspen, Colorado in the early 70s. “In Washington State, Bellingham…(I was inspired) by the mountains with totem sculptures, totem poles.”

“Art does something to you. It’s spiritual… wood is biological, like us, it is organic. Stone is made of stars and the universe.”

Working with wood involves, “suspension of your preconceptions. You peel off the top layer, and you feel and look underneath. You have to feel it with your hands and pretty soon it’s carving itself.”

Around the studio, there are a lot of creations, but his favorite subjects are, “dolphins and eagles and lovers. Adam and Eve, and some horses.”

His stay in Wimberley will come to a close when the Covid restrictions are lifted, and he will move back to Colorado, teaching his craft. “I brought 22 tons with me and I’m leaving with 30 tons,” he said. “I’m 73 and still have a few good years of work in me. I’d like to share with creative people, kids in an art school in Colorado in the summer.” Sharing his art is important.

“To me, art is anything made with creative content, the finest stuff, pure stuff, that its creator receives divine energy that propels the artist more.”

For more about Robert Gottschall see his Facebook page at facebook.com/robert.gottschall.3