Eclectic Elegance in Picacho Hills Part I Closed (#17577576)

Marian Owczarski Chalice

This chalice by Marian Owczarski is representative of the artist's distinctive style. The chalice's hammered welded design, showcases Owczarski's mastery in metallurgy and his ability to manipulate stainless steel into both functional and artistic forms. Adorned with three mounted amber pieces, the chalice not only serves as a ceremonial object but also as a stunning piece of art.

Artist: Marian Owczarski (1923-2010)
Title: Chalice #1
Medium: Stainless Steel with Amber
Signature: Original Paper Label Intact

Description:
This chalice, designed by the renowned sculptor Marian Owczarski, exhibits his signature rugged texture and meticulous craftsmanship. The hammered welded construction, combined with the warm hues of the amber, creates a visually striking contrast that highlights the chalice's unique form and symbolic significance. Owczarski's work often reflects themes of endurance and resilience, elements that are evident in the robust yet elegant design of this piece.

Condition:
Good, with minor surface corrosion.

Dimensions:

• Height: 9.75 inches
• Diameter: 7 inches
• Weight: 315 oz

Provenance:
This piece comes with its original paper label from Old Warsaw Galleries, Inc., indicating its authenticity and historical value. The label details the title, "Chalice #1," and the original price of $1,200, further attesting to the significance of Owczarski's work.

Biography of Marian Owczarski (1923-2010):

Marian Owczarski was a distinguished sculptor celebrated for his evocative works in stainless steel, a medium he chose for its durability and symbolic representation of resilience. Born in Łuków, Poland, in 1932, Owczarski's early life was marked by the devastation of World War II. Severely wounded at the age of twelve in a Nazi-targeted town, these traumatic experiences profoundly shaped his artistic vision.

Following the war, Owczarski pursued a degree in sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, graduating in 1961. Initially involved in the restoration of war-damaged Polish churches, Owczarski's true calling lay in creating powerful, evocative sculptures. His early works utilized reclaimed iron from abandoned Nazi tanks, forming iconic Polish images. However, as these iron pieces rusted, he transitioned to stainless steel, perfecting his technique and creating his signature pieces.

Emigrating to the United States, Owczarski was invited to become an artist-in-residence at both Saint Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan, and Princeton University following an exhibition in Washington, D.C., in 1970. Choosing Orchard Lake for its Polish-speaking community, he dedicated his life to teaching and creating art there.

As the artist-in-residence at The Orchard Lake Schools, Owczarski directed the Galleria, an art gallery open to the public and showcasing many of his sculptures. His works have been exhibited internationally, in countries including Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the United States.

Owczarski's sculptures are celebrated for their emotional depth and intricate craftsmanship. Reflecting themes of human suffering, endurance, and faith, his works are deeply influenced by his wartime experiences. Notable pieces include his depiction of Moses hurling the tablets of stone and a rabbi shielded against darkness with faith, both of which convey poignant stories of resilience.

In addition to his sculptural work, Owczarski was a master restorer of paintings, with over 200 restored works to his credit. His restoration of a painting from the Altar of the Royal Castle of the Cathedral Church in Kraków is particularly notable, transforming a seemingly worthless piece into a valuable work of art.

Marian Owczarski passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of artistic excellence and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. His sculptures continue to inspire and evoke deep emotional responses, securing his place among the great modern sculptors.