John T Unger Artist's Portfolio

Abstract Slate Wall Mural

Abstract Slate Wall Mural, 2002 Chinese slate. 126" H x 90" W Commission
This project was a bit of a challenge…create a visually pleasing abstract pattern working within a 5 x 7 grid. The goal was to create a surface which added warmth, colors, and pattern without overwhelming the room. Almost a formalist riddle… but one with nice results! The room has been repainted since  these photos were taken. I'll have to update the pics when I get a chance.
View from left of stove.	View from right of stove.
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Tags: Art, mosaic, slate, abstract, decor

Stone and Steel Figurative Sculptures

Big Horse Pull Toy, 2003 Recycled steel, granite   38" x 51.75" x 16.5" Buy it at my ArtBuzz Blog
Ever since I made Big Horse Pull-Toy, I've been meaning to create more "sculpture on wheels." It's a very simple way to play with movement in a piece, but I like the idea of a sculpture that's easy to move around to different locations. There's an appeal, to my mind, in the idea of making sculpture less monumental and more intimate by allowing it the feedom to roam about. I also like the idea of being able to redesign a landscape or garden in the same way that one might move the furniture around in the living room. One might change the accents around as the seasons change, or maybe just mix things up now and then to keep them fresh. The figures below are one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by, and built around,  stone shapes that catch my eye from the cast-away pile at a local stone vendor's. Because the stone is polished on one side only, the back is decorated with copper.
Little Miss Exuberance, 2003 Steel, Granite, Copper 74" x 27" x 12" Buy Her at Artbuzz	Akimbo, 2003 Steel, Granite, Copper 80" x 38.5" x 12" Private Collection	Akimbo,detail	Akimbo,detail	Lookout, 2003 Granite, Steel 35" x 24" x 12" Private Collection
Signal, 2003 Steel, Granite, Copper 61" x 27" x 12" Private Collection	Signal, detail	Sentinal, 2002 Granite, Steel 32" x 40" x 8" Private Collection	Curious Child, 2002 Granite, Steel 36" x 34" x 8" Buy Him at Artbuzz	Lightning Moon Man, 2003 Steel, vitreous glass 20" x 16" x 7.5" Private Collection
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Tags: art, dance, garden, granite, metal, puppy, sculpture, stone sculpture, yard