Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago: Bob Emser

Windsurfer, by Bob Emser..


Sky Trail III, by Bob Emser



Continuing with my series on Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago.. Here's a much familiar name Bob Emser, President of Chicago Sculpture International [CSI], a local affiliate of International Sculpture Center, a non-profit organization of contemporary sculptors based in Chicago and it's neighborhood..

These days Bob Emser is attending the world's largest free outdoor art exhibition "Sculpture by the Sea", at Bondi Beach, Australia. His installation "Winds of Change" and is just awesome. His FB page suggests he's having a whale of a time. He actually was at the Whale Beach and saw, in his words, amazing Whale sighting..



To me, the first thing that draws me to his work, is the sleek and elegant appearance, with the WOW factor! They are very light-weight yet stable. Most of his work are abstract, and are based on aircraft and nautical themes. His creative interest can be traced from a very young age. His father was a mechanical engineer, which inculcated into him, the interest in the construction of things, especially model airplanes and ships. What's most interesting is that he sees them as figure sculptures, [which in his words is a stretch of imagination].. An aircraft is an organic thing and so is a ship. Even automobiles to a certain degree have an organic quality. It's inetresting to me, how we even use humanistic pronouns to describe them, "She's a beautiful boat"..

Recently, Jeff Heuber, an arts jounalist and freelance writer has wrote a book on Bob Emser titled, Bob Emser, American Sculptor.. he has some interesting observations on the works of Bob Emser, like the frequent use of copper color.
Here's an excerpt from his book..
Jeff Heuber: Obviusly, the color copper has become like a signature of your work.
Bob Emser: I love the natural color of copper. It's interesting in that it's warm and it seems closer to earth. And as daylight changes from early dawn, to high noon to dusk, that color really changes and works well with a rich green landscape, and with other landscapes that might be a little more terracotta color. I'm actually fascinated by it for that reason..





Avro II..
inspired by leaves, is at display at temporary exhibit, "Form in Flora" at the Garfield Park Conservatory..

[The CSI team always works together.. In the first image here is Bob Emser, Terrence Karpowicz, Jason Verbeek and his friend Paul]



Bob Emser has got numerous public and private commissions and his work are displayed all over the world. He sit's on the International Sculpture Center's Board of Director's, the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Board and is also the President of Chicago Sculpture International.



As I am writing the post, this autographed book,
"Bob Emser, American Sculptor", by Jeff Huebner..
is on my table.. with words I cherish..
Dear Jyoti,
Thanks for your support and interest..
- Bob...

Related links:
"Winds of Change" - at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Beach, Australia..
I've written earlier that Bob Emser is also a board member of Nathan Manilw Sculpture Park. Earlier this year, I visited the place and here are some images..
# Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park - I [North Trail]..
# Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park - II [South Trail]..

Also, more on..
# Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago..