Edward Vincent Stockman

Edward Vincent Stockman creates large-scale steel and mesh wire sculptures that seem to defy the traditional perception of the medium. Stockman finds inspiration from historical art movements such as the Italian Renaissance to Neoclassicism. Capturing an array of scenes from classical landscapes to the alluring complexity of the female form, his sculptures, while mesmerizing in nature, create illusionist ‘tricks’ that convincingly suggests that the subjects are emerging out of the steel and into the space of the viewer.

Typically consisting of 12 to 18 layers of steel screen wire, the sculptures bear a resemblance to a graphite and ink drawing from afar. Building a topography of light and dark values, Stockman hand cuts each layer using wire snips, then twist-ties together each layer. Similar to the chiaroscuro seen within drawings Stockman is able to control the softness and precision of the details within sculptures depending on the space between the layers. The more space left between the layers creates a deeper third dimension that beautifully seems holographic. Through his process of layering the steel wire screen, the installations can sometimes reach up to five inches or more.

After graduating from The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Stockman began his artistic career working in custom furniture. Now focusing on the formal elements of art, each piece is increasingly complex as Stockman continues to build the series.