An exhibit of new and recent sculpture by Steve Tobin was presented by the Morrison Gallery from September 13th through October 12th, 2014. The show highlighted the versatility of the artist and showcased ceramic and glass Exploded Earth sculpture, small bronze Squeezes, Steelroots, and bronze Syntax pieces. The exhibit opened with a reception at the gallery on the evening of Saturday, September 13th.
Both the Squeeze and Exploded Earth series utilize the process of transforming shapes of clay or wax into spontaneous and energetic new forms, brought forth by Tobin’s squeezed hand or by an actual explosion. In his essay “Steve Tobin’s Creativity,” American art critic Donald Kuspit notes, “What we see is chaos objectified – a fractal structure in which whorls and torsions have a certain consistency. The chaos-creating explosion is a demonstration of the creativity of chaos.”
Tobin is also known for the monumental Steelroots sculpture arrayed along Route 7 in Kent, chosen for the inaugural exhibition in the Sculpture on 7 outdoor sculpture series presented by Morrison Gallery. The colorful, large-scale root sculptures can be seen at 12 sites throughout town, beginning at the Starbuck Inn, and continuing south to the corner at the intersection of Routes 7 and 341.
Steve Tobin graduated from Tulane in 1979 with a BS in Theoretical Mathematics. Fascinated by objects, architectural structures and the power and patterns of nature, Steve has always been intrigued by the intersection of science and art. He is best known for his iconic Trinity Root sculpture on the corner of Wall Street and Broadway in Lower Manhattan, the first memorial commemorating the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. Tobin has exhibited his work at numerous galleries, museums and sculpture parks including the American Museum of Natural History, New York City; the Museum of Art and Design, New York; NY, Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ; Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL; Frost Art Museum at Florida International University, Miami; Sculpturesite Gallery, San Francisco; OK Harris Gallery, New York; and Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis. Steve lives and works in Allentown, Pennsylvania.