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

Marian Owczarski Sculpture

This compelling sculpture by Marian Owczarski depicts a female laborer carrying a heavy load, symbolizing the endurance and resilience of the human spirit. Crafted from stainless steel, the piece showcases Owczarski's mastery in metallurgy, a medium he chose for its durability and symbolic significance. The sculpture's rugged texture and expressive form are hallmarks of Owczarski's style, reflecting the artist's tumultuous experiences during World War II and his profound ability to convey emotional depth through his work. Owczarski's sculptures are celebrated for their powerful representation of struggle and perseverance, making this piece a poignant addition to any collection.

• Artist: Marian Owczarski (1923-2010)
• Title: Untitled (Female Laborer Carrying Load)
• Medium: Stainless Steel
• Signature: Stamped on Base

Marian Owczarski (1923-2010)

Marian Owczarski was a renowned sculptor known for his compelling works in stainless steel, a medium he embraced for its durability and symbolic representation of resilience. Born in Łuków, Poland, in 1932, Owczarski's early life was marked by the tumult of World War II. Severely wounded at the age of twelve in one of the most targeted towns by the Nazis, these harrowing experiences deeply influenced his artistic vision.

After the war, Owczarski pursued his passion for art, earning a graduate degree in sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw in 1961. He initially worked on the restoration of Polish churches damaged during the war, but his true calling lay in creating powerful, evocative sculptures. His early works were crafted from reclaimed iron from abandoned Nazi tanks, forming iconic Polish images such as the Eagle, the Man of Sorrows, and the Madonna. However, as these iron pieces rusted, he turned to stainless steel, perfecting his technique and creating his signature portraits in steel.

Owczarski's journey took a significant turn when he emigrated to the United States. Following an exhibition in Washington, D.C., in 1970, he was invited by both Saint Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan, and Princeton University to become an artist-in-residence. Opting for Orchard Lake due to 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 open-to-the-public art gallery showcasing many of his sculptures. His works have been exhibited in eleven countries and over 50 cities, including major cultural centers such as Warsaw, Budapest, Prague, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Moscow, and New York.

Owczarski's sculptures are celebrated for their profound emotional impact and intricate craftsmanship. His works often reflect themes of human suffering, endurance, and faith, shaped by his own traumatic experiences during the war. Notable pieces include his sculpture of Moses hurling the tablets of stone and his depiction of a rabbi shielded against the darkness with faith, both telling poignant stories of resilience and defiance against inhumanity.

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 of the Altar of the Royal Castle of the Cathedral Church in Kraków is particularly remarkable, transforming a seemingly worthless piece into a valuable work of art.

Marian Owczarski passed away in 2010, leaving behind 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, ensuring his place in the pantheon of great modern sculptors.

Condition:
Good. No damage present.

Dimensions:

• Height: 10.5 inches
• Width: 6 inches
• Depth: 4 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs