November 2006 Meeting
Guest Demonstrator: Jonathan Bickart
Jonathan Bickart’s figurative bronze sculptures hold an enigmatic impression, both surreal and futuristic. His philosophy is based on random surreal experiences, “the indefinable moments in the human condition provide more imagery than bourgeois poses.”
Bickart attempts to fuse our subconscious visuals with our aesthetic art sensibilities. “My work is often mistaken as being dark or sinister, yet I don’t view those parts (surrealism and alienation) as being negative, it’s just a description of the unusual sides of life that aren’t traditionally portrayed in art, which I find just as enjoyable as the beautiful.”
Jonathan Bickart headed the sculpture department at the Brentwood Art Center for fifteen years prior to opening his own Sculpture Studio in Santa Monica. Bickart’s commissions include many notable portraits, including a bust of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as monumental bronze sculptures. Bickart completed a 14-foot Centennial Statue of Colonel Griffith Jenkins Griffith on behalf of the Griffith Family Trust, which was installed at the entrance of Griffith Park on November 23rd, 1996. Jonathan Bickart was awarded the “Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation” for this outstanding work of art that “will touch the lives of many visitors to Griffith Park and is truly worthy of praise and recognition.”
Bickart designed and sculpted the Hope Award at the request of Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Inner-City Games Foundation. The award was first presented to former Mayor Bradley and Whoopi Goldberg for their support of the Foundation and is annually awarded to new recipients.
