About this piece
back to topAn unusual contemporary bronze sculpture by American 20th century artist, Sanford Decker (signed). Marked with maker’s name and dated ‘72’ to the trapezoid base, this abstract sculpture explores the natural world through physical form, depicting in bronze the organic skeleton of an animal upon a wheel.
During the late 1960s, Sanford Decker created several sculptures on wheels and began to move into organic bone forms. Made in 1972, this sculpture was the last in this series and is believed to have formed part of an exhibition at the Alwin Gallery, Brook Street, London in the early 1970s.
Cast at the sculptor’s foundry in Detroit, Michigan, this abstract bronze is an excellent example of the artist’s works, demonstrating his connection with earth’s geological evolution, translating organic forms into evocative sculpture.
Sanford Decker
American sculptor, Sanford Decker, was born in Detroit, Michigan where he studied at the College for Creative Studies before attending Wayne State University, majoring in fine arts. Here, he assisted in building the first foundry for the University, before setting up his own Detroit-based foundry in the late 1960s.
In 1969, Decker exhibited his works in London and, as part of his travels, was invited to meet with celebrated English sculptor, Henry Moore (1898-1986).
Following his return, Decker relocated to California in the early 1970s, building his new foundry, gallery and studios. Here, amongst the scenic Santa Monica mountains, he took inspiration from his natural surroundings, creating a line of sculptures influenced by organic forms. This includes his range of totemic sculptures and earth shields, a few examples of which can be viewed on his website.
To this day, Sanford Decker continues to consult for museums and art foundries, having established Decker Studios, a fine arts foundry and atelier in North Hollywood, California.
