The Natural Sculptural Work of Chris DeKnikker

Taking advantage of the natural beauty surrounding us in everyday life early man created sculpture identified as magical totems to assist man in his hunt for food. Sculpture is the oldest of al the arts, as the ancients carved their dwellings, modes of transportation, utensils, tools and personal adornments way before the earliest of civilizations. (Above, a petroglyph Saharan rock carving from southern Algeria depicting an antelope or gazelle).

All forms of sculpture up and to the 20th-Century could have been deemed natural, as they were mostly made up of found, organic material. During the 1920s and 1930s the Constructivists built, rather than carved, or modeled their sculptures. Somewhere, amongst the sculptural traditions of time, natural forms sculptor, Chris DeKnikker emerges amongst our times in deep connection to organic, wood materials. (Above, George Nakashima, 1905-1990 and Paul R. Evans, 1931-1987)

Kinetic in nature, Chris DeKnikker moves about his sculptural work, constructing soulful antidotes shared between memories of time spent in his Grandfather’s wood shop; and the recollection of fallen wood dust and scrap, the smell of freshly cut wood and Chris’ ultimate reconfiguration of Grandads discard as a boy. (Above, Loose Ends, English Ivy, sawdust, mixed media, 2015).

“The investigation of wood material, its volume and the visceral feel of the material is finally realized as a new object, often foreign and surprising. Something out of memory is formed, times spent with my Grandfather in his wood shop, playing with the fallen wood scraps, and the wild imagination of boyhood dreams.” (Above, Alchemy, Forsythia, sawdust, cut wood, mixed media, 2010).

Chris began his love for natural forms in 2003 when he pursued a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture. Looking for a varied approach to his work he returned to object making and opened his first solo exhibition in 2009. His artwork continues to evolve where wood is realized as a fabric to his brand of narrative. (Above, Root Bound, English Ivy, sawdust, found wood, mixed media, 2015).

“My past emerges and takes sculptural form. a metaphor shared between natural forms and reimagined forms made up of organic materials.”
 (Above, Old Growth, Ninebark, lumber pieces, 2013).

Deep roots are exposed, and natures’ life tissues are bound to the human body. Deeply moving, Chris DeKnikker performs important work that evokes emotional response. Natural materials take form of other otherworldly objects— possibly a mix of terrestrial life forms, deep sea creatures and internal life forces.  (Above, Origin, English Ivy, sawdust, found wood, mixed media, 2015).

Chris DeKnikker sculpts and works in Denver, Colorado with his wife and son. Chris is represented by Walker Fine Art. Please contact Chris for a complete listing of available works or to arrange a studio visit. (Above, Laura’s Lament, Chokecherry, Walnut 2013).