Sam Wood Wilson
Sam Wood Wilson is a sculptor, painter, and public project artist with a background in architecture who has exhibited extensively in Seattle. Recent solo exhibitions in Seattle include Home Team Gallery, Linda Hodges Gallery, Gallery Ergo, Museum of Museums, and dual showings at A-Gallery. Sam has constructed large scale public sculptures throughout Seattle and beyond.
The sculptures and paintings depict forms reminiscent of retro New Wave colors and design elements as well as neon lights from aged 1950’s diners and burger shops. Using 3-D printing and various grids, Sam designs his sculptures on the computer, prints them out and then paints them with either metallic or bright colors. Without knowing the works were 3-D printing, the viewer could be forgiven to mistake the sculptures for steel.
Each form weaves into and away from each other in carefully marked designs which convey a sense of playfulness with the combination of curvature and linearity. The distinct vintage feel of the works, whether it be from borrowing from aesthetics from the 1980’s or 1950’s, should not be underestimated. These design elements create a distinct nostalgia and elicit pop art aesthetics and overtones. Like Back to the Future the viewer, upon inspecting Sam’s works, may feel as if they have traveled back to 1985 to a less complicated and more innocent time. Such a conveyance of purity in the playful forms and nostalgia may be reminiscent of the approaches of great 20th century masters such as Paul Klee or Alexander Calder.
Osculation (pictured above) remains Sam’s most distinct work. Unlike his other sculptures and paintings there are no retro or playful forms in the relief composition. Upon inspection, the audience stumbles upon an almost monochromatic steel-like structure being bent to the will of metallic balls which seem like in motion. The steel appears to be melting, although keep in mind the sculptures are actually 3-D printed resin or plastic. Like an image from the future such as liquid metal from the T-1000 from Terminator 2, the sculpture implicates unseen territory.
Sam Wood Wilson creates bold works which tend to communicate playful retro nostalgia and freedom of form. The works appear incredibly gratifying to create as there remains no stiffness or fragility to the designs. Spatial yet almost minimalist, Sam introduces the viewer towards both symmetrical and asymmetrical convergence in relief composition. With an extensive insight into the Seattle art scene and an impressive public art portfolio, Sam Wood Wilson’s works will stand the test of time.
