Formerly the Lodi Madman

Michael Cooper

June 1—July 8, 2007

Quicksilver will present a solo exhibition by Sonoma County fine art sculptor Michael Cooper beginning June 1st. The Show will continue through July 8th. Included in this exhibition is an exquisitely crafted four-wheeled vehicle made out of fine and exotic hardwood; outrageous and wonderful chairs created from wood, polished aluminum, chrome and powder-coated steel; figurative sculptures; and a collection of schematic drawings tracing the some of the conceptual origins of the work in the Show.

"Gunrunner,"
sculpture/various hardwoods,
120" L X 60" W X 24" H, 2007

For this exhibit Cooper spent over 4000 hours creating Gunrunner, a 10 foot long low riding vehicle made from over 1000 individual pieces of beautifully finished exotic hardwood including tires, chains, springs, nuts, bolts and valves, exhaust system, hoses and gears. His chairs, surreal and creature-like, meld organic form with geometric structure. Also included in this Show is a large figurative piece he calls Self Portrait, juxtaposing sculptural form against geometric structure to create an elegant, humorous, and slightly off kilter persona.

"Gunrunner" Detail

click on images for larger views

"Blue"
steel, wood, aluminum
58" L X 36" W X 34" H, 2006

Michael Cooper completed his MFA in Sculpture at the University of California at Berkeley in 1969. He taught art and design for 34 years at De Anza and Foothill Colleges, and the California College of Art in San Francisco. He is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, and has exhibited widely in the United States, Australia and England.

"Peaches"
wood, steel, aluminum
40" L X 49" W X 41" H, 2005

Michael Cooper: Formerly the Lodi Madman opens with an Artist Reception on Saturday June 2nd from 4—6pm. Cooper will also present a Gallery Talk on Thursday June 28th at 7pm, as well as host a tour of his art studio on Sunday July 8th at 2pm. (Space is limited for the studio tour; please contact the Gallery to make an advance reservation.)

Visit Michael's studio

More about Michael Cooper

More about the "Tubester"

See the "Tubester" at WildRods.com

See "Split Personality"
at The Art Gallery of Western Australia

More images at Paradise Ridge Winery