Michael Shewmaker - Sculpture

 

From an early age, I have been passionate about public art and the three-dimensional abstract form. My artistic inspiration has been deeply influenced by the works of Giacometti, Calder, and even the powerful piece by Picasso installed in Chicago in 1967. I have always been moved by large-scale sculpture. Though many consider my pieces enormous, I would love to see them much larger.

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My love for sculpture has been a constant since childhood, but my artistic journey was interrupted by a long battle with Crohn's Disease. I promised myself I would return to my passion if ever possible—though I never truly expected to do so, as staying alive demanded most of my attention. About twenty years ago, a close friend and fellow sculptor, Stephen Freedman, encouraged me to rediscover my early enthusiasm, sparking a fire within me. Since then, I’ve embarked on an incredible artistic journey, exploring the genre beyond my wildest dreams.

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While I’ve exhibited my work across the country, my primary focus has been my three-acre garden at our home in Pepeekeo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, I have over 40 pieces displayed, including several that surpass 20 feet in height. Although my work is rooted in abstraction, I’ve also explored figurative forms, pop art, and experimented with materials such as stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, and concrete.

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I invite you to visit if you’re ever on the Big Island. Our remote location in the Pacific has been both a challenge and a blessing, allowing me to concentrate on the work itself, far away from the distractions of the art world.