This sculpture represents a short structured haiku poem. Each dancer represents a portion of a poem and together they support each other to create a sculpture of peace and harmony.

My art is a celebration of the human form capturing brief moments when the mind and body reach extremes. Tension and serenity merge into one creating a harmonious figure at peace within itself.

Art Dept interview:

As the winner of your category in the 2003 International Art Contest, being selected by such a diverse group of artists from all around the world, how do you feel?

A: The artist lives to be appreciated. I feel great to have been selected as winner of my category. The quality of all submittals was excellent and I truly feel proud to have won in such a competitive contest. I’m also happy to see the Internet used for such a positive experience. The Internet can bring together people from all over the world into a single forum, and the Art Dept contest really takes advantage of what the Internet offers.

Please describe your current works and any plans for forthcoming exhibits.

A: My art is a celebration of the human form. I capture key moments when the mind and body reach extremes only attainable by the seasoned dancer, expert athlete, and experienced climber. At those extremes, muscles are pushed beyond their limits and the mind plays a critical role in overcoming preconceived boundaries. Tension and serenity merge into one creating a harmonious figure. I’ve begun introducing outside space to the equation, letting my figures interact with the surrounding environment; climbing through walls, around corners, and across ceilings. These spaces typically go unused but present a diverse pallet on which to build sculptures.

Since submitting to The International Art Contest I have exhibited my works in China Changchun sculpture museum, several U.S. juried shows and am now represented by the Exhibit-20 Art Gallery in Raleigh, NC.

If any, in what ways have you seen changes in attitudes towards "art"?

A: I think attitudes towards art have changed along with art styles - tastes change with times. While newer technology is better able to replicate what was once considered fine art, technology has also opened doors to new art forms never before imagined. I do believe the same opportunities exist for artists willing to merge their vision together with current technology.

Do you think that the fine artist will survive as technology replaces our skills?

A: While technology can be used to replace an artist’s skills, I much prefer to view technology as an enabler and enhancer of an artist’s skill. New technologies offer the artists tools and subjects that were never available before. These can be used to move art in very new directions.

What advice could you give to those embarking upon a career as an artist?

A: An art career can be a very frustrating endeavour. Starting from nothing, the artist must create something inspiring not only to themselves but to others, as well. However, there is no better feeling when an audience “gets” your art and understands the inner meaning and beauty. That is what the artists lives for – knowing you’re giving the world something that will be appreciated for centuries. Money, while important, should not be the focus of an artist’s career. My most rewarding works always start from the heart.

Why did you enter the this contest and what decided your selection for entry?

A: I entered the Art Dept contest because it offered a new avenue in which to present and measure my work. This is one example where technology is used to enhance the artist’s skills. Only 10 years back, most artists were limited to local markets and local feedback. The Internet opens the world up to all artists and enables the visitor to view worldwide perspectives. I chose to enter my piece “Haiku” because it presents a vision of peace and harmony. Similar to a short, well structured Haiku poem where each word supports another creating a single focused theme – each of my dancers represents a portion of a haiku poem and together they support each other to create a sculpture of peace and harmony.

Is there anything about being an artist that you do not like?

A: The marketing side is always the most challenging. While an artist should always work from the heart, there is always the reality of the real world and survival.

Would you sell your most favourite artwork, or keep it?

A: I would certainly sell my most favourite work – not because of the money but more for the pure satisfaction that a part of me is now appreciated by others. I don’t need the physical sculpture to remember every detail and nuance – so in a sense, the sculpture will always live in my heart. To then have that sculpture take on a life of its own in someone else’s world is an artist’s dream.

How important was education and training to you?

A: Education and training are critical to learn tools, process, techniques, and technology. This provides the artist with their “bag of tricks” so to speak. However, education and training do not provide the artist with their vision or message. That can only come from the heart. Education then helps to make that vision a reality.

Is there anything in your art career that you would have changed?

A: I would have started sculpting much sooner. I am a computer engineer by trade, working for Cisco Systems. It wasn’t until my daughter’s teacher gave me a picture of my daughter dancing that I was inspired to sculpt. That inspiration still drives me today and my strong engineering background has given me the tools to execute on that inspiration.

If you were invited overseas to exhibit, where would you like that to be?

A: I was recently invited to China to exhibit and I attended the grand opening of the Changchun sculpture park and museum. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget. It was exciting to meet artists from around the world and to see how each artist translated the sculpture park theme of “Peace, Friendship, and Spring” into reality. I now have a sculpture on permanent display within the museum and hope to return to China in the future. As for other areas around the world – I would certainly welcome an invitation to visit Australia (hint).

Do you recommend use of the Internet for an artist's publicity?

A: I have used the Internet extensively to learn what is happening around the world with respect to art and competitions. It has allowed me to submit to the China exhibit as well as the Art Dept exhibit. I also maintain a very basic website. However, I think the jury is still out whether the Internet becomes a viable method to sell fine art. I have found that nothing replaces seeing a piece in person and talking directly to the artist.

Would you change anything about how the contest is organised?

A: I have been very impressed with the Art Dept contest. From a process perspective, I think the submittal and voting process is very well done. You might want to consider wider advertising to further increase submittals. I know of many U.S. Internet art sites that offer complimentary advertising and reach a very wide artist audience. I would think similar services exist in other countries, as well.

How can the Internet be made better for working artists?

A: The Internet offers opportunity for artists to reach out to the entire world. Possibilities include artists websites, on-line competitions (e.g. Art Dept), and direct sales. I think the last item is where the Internet is still very weak. Ebay presents a generalized auction site not focused on any particular subject. It would be great if there was an art focused site in which artists and buyers can be linked as easily.

Are you looking forward to entering the contest for next year?

A: Absolutely!! I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

Larry Schessel at work.