Richard Tosczak | Angela Letizia Renzi
Selected Works
Biography
Richard Tosczak is a Belgian-born, Edmonton-based figurative sculptor. He studied philosophy and modernist sculpture, working in steel, at the University of Alberta where a number of the professors had a strong affiliation with Sir Anthony Caro and Clement Greenberg. Richard pursued further artistic training in the Loire Valley with Martine Vaugel, first director of figurative sculpture at the New York Academy of Art.
Education and Workshops
2007: Modelagem do Corpo Humano with Israel Kislanksky, São Paulo, Brazil
2006: Sculpting the Figure, Richard MacDonald Studio, Monterey, CA
2000: Creating Physical Theatere with Neil Cadger, University of Alberta
2000: Introduction to Acting with Kevin Sutley, Citadel Theatre, Edmonton AB
2000: Capoeira at the Associacao de Capoeira Mestre Bimba, Salvador, Brazil
1994: Stone Carving at Vaugel Sculpture Studio, Loire Valley, France
1991: Bachelor of Arts, philosophy and sculpture, University of Alberta
1990: Figurative Fundamentals at Vaugel Sculpture Studio, Loire Valley, France
Solo Exhibitions
2016: open works, Scott Gallery, Edmonton AB
2014: Beneath the Sun, Scott Gallery, Edmonton AB
2012: Bodyscapes, Scott Gallery, Edmonton AB
2008: Drawing Into Sculpture, Harcourt House Arts Centre, Edmonton AB
2003: Daily Drawings: Brazil and Edmonton, Wolf & Associates, Edmonton, AB
2002: New Capoeira Drawings, The Works Art & Design Festival, Edmonton AB
1998: Capoeira Drawings, Largo Dois do Julho, Salvador, Brazil
1997: Figurative Drawings & Sculpture, Manifesto, Edmonton AB
Selected Group Exhibitions
2014: Christmas Salon, Scott Gallery, Edmonton AB
2014: It Figures, VASA Gallery, St. Albert AB
2013: Steam: A Winter Intermission, Scott Gallery Edmonton AB
2013: Figurativas ’13 - 7º Concurso de pintura y escultura
MEAM - Museo Europeo de Arte Moderno, Barcelona, Spain
2013: Decibel, Oeno Gallery, Prince Edward County ON
2012: Fusion: Line & Land, Scott Gallery, Edmonton AB
2011: Celebrating 25 Years of Canadian Art, Scott Gallery, Edmonton AB
2011: Fashion on Fire, Art Auction, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton AB
2011: RE: CHARGED, Harcourt House Arts Centre, Edmonton AB
2010: For Gilbert, The Works Art & Design Festival, Edmonton AB
2010: Elemental Titanium, Harcourt House, Edmonton AB
2005: Landlifes & Stillscapes, Arts Habitat Studio Gallery, Edmonton AB
2002: Bust of Dr. Violet Archer at the CIFES Italian Music Festival, Edmonton AB
1998: Artist Model Direct, Profiles Public Gallery, St. Albert AB
1996: Sculpture By Invitation, The Works, Law Courts Plaza, Edmonton AB
1995: 40*Celsius... Survey of the Visual Arts, Aggregate
Commerce Place, Edmonton AB
1993: Sculpture By Invitation, Edmonton Art Gallery, Edmonton AB
1993: Au Natural, Harcourt House Gallery, Edmonton AB
1991: Art for All, Edmonton Art Gallery, Edmonton AB
1990: Les Sculptures, Les Cerqueux Sous Passavant, Loire Valley, France
Awards
2013: Travel Grant to attend Figurativas ‘13, Edmonton Arts Council
2013: Microgrant to re-patina bust of Dr. Violet Archer, Edmonton Arts Council
2009: Nominated - TELUS Courage to Innovate Award
Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts
2005: Finalist - William Hawrelak Park Sculpture Competition, City of Edmonton
2005: Visual Arts Project Grant, Alberta Foundation for the Arts
1997: Finalist - Francis Winspear Concert Hall Sculpture Competition
City of Edmonton
1994: Award for Career Development, Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Commissions
2008: William Hawrelak Park Sculpture, New Life... New Beginnings,
City of Edmonton, Edmonton AB
2003: Canadian Music Centre Library, bronze portrait of Dr. Violet Archer
University of Calgary, Edmonton AB
Collections
MEAM - Museo Europeo de Arte Moderno, Barcelona, Spain
City of Edmonton
Canadian Music Centre Library
University of Alberta
City of Red Deer
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Artist Statement
“If there is an expansive theme that runs through my practice, it is overcoming inertia. The figurative works of the last few years are overtly anonymous and convey an intense introspection. Even those figures, inspired by dynamic activities such as dance and contact improvisation, give the impression they are turning inward into themselves. I believe this reflects and parallels my personal experience and possibly my growth as an artist.
Some years ago a friend and mentor suggested I look closely at Rembrandt’s drawings. Pursuing his recommendation, I found I loved the economy with which Rembrandt’s drawings convey feeling yet still built a convincing structure and image. As a result, in 2007 I began using pen and ink studies as source material for sculpture and larger works on canvas. In this mode of exploration, figures are executed exclusively from a single drawing. ” Richard Tosczak