This is an exciting time for me as an artist.
My piece “Epiphany in Flux” has been a self-fulfilling prophecy as I transition from fully white sculptures into also using color with “Epiphany in Flux II”.
I must admit I adore the sensual way the white work captures the light and makes you want to run your fingertips over the piece. At my show openings, I often encourage people to touch the work and especially enjoy the reactions of those who are visually impaired.
This is an exciting time for me as an artist.
My piece “Epiphany in Flux” has been a self-fulfilling prophecy as I transition from fully white sculptures into also using color with “Epiphany in Flux II”.
I must admit I adore the sensual way the white work captures the light and makes you want to run your fingertips over the piece. At my show openings, I often encourage people to touch the work and especially enjoy the reactions of those who are visually impaired.
Epiphany In Flux II, 2025
Shop for Original Art
Hand-carved basswood sculpture with clear matte polycrylic finish mounted on rope cleats. 12"H x 8"W x 2.5"D See “Art Journal” entry for the story of the piece.
(US Domestic shipping or local pick-up / delivery only)
Hand-made modeling paste, paperboard, and wood. This sculpture has two exhibition positions - one on black base or flipped over without base. The sculpture exhibited without the base can be seen to mimic the downward dog yoga pose, however, in this case, the creature is a bear.
Awarded Juror's Gold Award @ 2022 Tracy Art League 'Expressions!' show at the Grand Theatre for the Arts (California).
This sculpture is ONLY AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICK-UP / DELIVERY. Free delivery within a two hour drive of Lodi, California may be arranged (possibly farther depending on travel schedule).
Acrylic painting on 48” x 36” x 2” canvas (edges painted black)
This oversized painting is ONLY AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICK-UP / DELIVERY. Free delivery within a two hour drive of Lodi, California may be arranged (possibly farther depending on travel schedule).
MY MOST COMMON
SCULPTING MATERIALS
Hand-Made
Modeling Compounds
Laboratory grade talc has long been one of the key ingredients in my original modeling compounds. Both my thick paste type and top-coats require the product. Unfortunately, this has become increasingly hard to find and the price has risen dramatically in recent years. Funny how the closure of a talc mine in Nevada impacted my art practice.
What hasn’t changed is my long slow process of building up and shaping in multiple layers. The slow part of the process is the drying time between layers. Living in a place with hot summers means I have a seasonal round to my work and the hot season provides the best time to dry my pieces in the sun.
Copper
I am slowly teaching myself the art of copper repousse and chasing which simply entails hammering copper on one side and then the other in an effort to create desired shapes and designs. As the copper is hammered, it becomes brittle and must be annealed (heated up until cherry red) using a torch between rounds of hammering. I think there is something magical about hammering soft freshly annealed copper.
The Statue of Liberty is probably the most well known example of repousse in the United States.
Wood
Basswood and yellow cedar are my two favorite woods to carve.
Cottonwood bark is also a joy as it carves like butter. I collect it in the wild from naturally fallen timber.
Plaster
I like to rough out shapes in wet plaster as the material is so satisfying and easy to carve.
Plaster is great for making maquettes - or small study versions of work I might like to scale up into larger pieces. Some of my better ideas have stemmed from roughing out shapes in leftover plaster I have poured in cups pulled from the recycling bin.
How does the art and décor in your home make you feel?
Photograph taken at Lodi Crush Wine Bar, Lodi, California
Lodi Crush Wine Bar, Lodi, California
If you need a high impact change, maybe it is time to invest in some new art.
How does the art and décor in your home make you feel?
If you need a high impact change, maybe it is time to invest in some new art.
I periodically open my studio to collectors.
If you would like to schedule a visit, please email me at lipka.art.studio@gmail.com.
I respect your privacy and will not share your name or email with anyone.