TOMAS SAVRDA: ARTIST’S STATEMENT

…I guess my love of primitive toys, admiration of simplicity, simple mechanical devices and old things in general, translates into my work. As for the kinetic objects, there is something unreal and magic about a balancing object – it almost defies the law of nature, the movement is so hypnotic – it’s about to fall, and it’s not falling – a miracle.

All my kinetic pieces are interactive objects – you have to touch them to put them in motion – and it is difficult to walk by the object and not to touch it – it can be quite addictive – there is simply something about the movement that’s appealing.

Some of my objects are very simple, toy-like whimsical figures on stands; some are more complicated mini theaters (wall stages), where there can be one, two, or more figures (in some cases up to six), interacting in some sort of play or enacting a story – some funny, some of more sinister nature.

Working with new materials does not appeal to me. I want the object to look like it was around and played with for a long time – the patina and the surface imperfections are to me of utmost importance.

I recycle the metal and wood that has been naturally weathered and shows its age. Metal is cut with snips, details are repoussed, edges are filed (five times), and the item is cleaned (wire brushed) from rust. Then the piece is riveted together, and balanced. After the patina is applied the object is slightly brushed again, and a protective coat is applied. I don’t use power tools to cut metal – no plasma cutters or lasers, power shears or press. It’s all made the traditional way – by hand. Time consuming, yes. It slows down the process. But I like to handle the material with my hands. And I guess the transformation will never cease to fascinate me – how a piece of junk metal or discarded wood suddenly becomes something else – another, and I like to think a more attractive object. And while I am not pretending that the selection of my work material started out of a concern for the environment, it still pleases me that the work is eco-friendly. Only the nails, little paint, glue and surface protection cover is store bought – rest is from scrap yards, flea markets, or found on the side of the road.

I started making metal decorative objects about 23 years ago, and to make “moving objects” about 15 years ago – beginning with one little object, then progressing into larger moving sculptural pieces and some outdoor kinetic sculptures, and eventually incorporating wood for indoor wall stages.

The works I create are one-of-a-kind objects, limited editions of usually six pieces, or unlimited series of several dozens. But since each piece is made individually, with all the variations in shape, differences in old metal and weathered wood with its inherent texture, color and traces of old paint, all artwork, including that created for a series, is in fact unique…

Some of my more recent work includes assemblages – “Reflection on life & human condition”, “Games people play”, “All that Remains”, etc. interaction (connection or disconnection)­ between humans – mostly wall boxes incorporating found objects. I am also working on video projects.

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“Tomas Savrda was born in Czechoslovakia and studied at the Hollar School of Visual Arts in Prague. After a few years working as a graphic designer in Prague, he spent a year in France, then moved to the United States, where he began a long career as a graphic designer and computer graphic artist for numerous clients and advertising agencies. Finding the work unfulfilling in the end, he started to pursue his main interest – creating kinetic objects and assemblages – full-time. He has received numerous awards for his work. He lives and works in Kent, CT.”

Tomas Savrda

PO Box 92, Kent, CT. 06757

tomassavrdaartcraft@hotmail.com

Tel. 860 364 5887