Richard Arfsten

I have an ambitious approach to life ... and to art ... make something happen every day ... but most of all have fun doing it! A sculptor first, and now working in 2D, I do my best to do just that. Presented here are examples of some of my work. •• My sculpture runs the gamut from abstract, to figurative, to architectural. The materials and methods used are diverse ... from figures modeled in clay or wax, then cast in pewter or bronze ... to aluminum maquettes (produced by evaporative pattern casting) which serve as the 3D blueprints for the pieces that are enlarged and fabricated from sheet metal of all kinds. •• My 2D pieces range from abstract to figurative. You’ll find Originals done in oils or acrylic, one-of-a-kind monotypes, collages, mixed media paintings, and more ... I love working in all mediums. Some of my 2D work may be available as reproductions on this site. ••• MY FASCINATION WITH SCIENCE FICTION & MAKE BELIEVE - When I was in second grade, television was new and the hottest thing. The "Adventures of Flash Gordon" was my favorite program. There was only one kid in the neighborhood who had a TV. We, all the kids, gathered at his house for every episode. I was a huge fan of the characters. Flash was cool and my hero. ...

I am mostly self-taught, but I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel so I will go anywhere to learn a skill that I'm interested in acquiring. My college degree in Industrial Arts has provided me with a background in most industrial processes and my natural curiosity drives me to continually experiment and manipulate those processes as I incorporate them into my art. •• That being said, I have studied art with some fine teachers throughout the United States and Australia. I have won awards at the Johnston International Figurative Sculpture Competition. I have also taught sculpture classes locally.

Commissions include: the University of Minnesota - Crookston, MN; Beloit College, Beloit, WI; Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI; the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Madison, WI; and UW Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI, as well as private collections.