Jeffro Uitto, Saddle Seat Bust, 2015. Assembled salvage wood. Exhibited at Maria Elena Kravetz Gallery. Image courtesy of Suzanne Lovell Inc.
The 2017 Sculptural Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair in Chicago opened with great fanfare on Thursday evening. During the VIP hour Friday morning, we walked the fair in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. We were delighted to see so many beautiful objects, sculptures, and pieces of furniture on display.
We were particularly taken with the assembled driftwood sculptures of Jeffro Uitto exhibited at Maria Elena Kravetz Gallery. Uitto resides in the coastal town of Tokeland, Washington. His surrounding environment and desire to connect with nature provide a constant source of inspiration.
Tobias Møhl, Three Part Black Twill Collection, 2017. Glass, illuminated presentation box. 39 3/4″ H X 41 1/4″ W X 10″ D. Exhibited at Heller Gallery. Image courtesy of Suzanne Lovell Inc.
Tobias Møhl’s chic, illuminated vessels were on view at Heller Gallery’s booth. We were drawn first to the presentation in the illuminated box. Then upon closer examination were captivated with the intricate pattern of threads.
Møhl is a master of his craft. It’s no wonder his work is included in the collections of the Corning Museum of Glass, Memorial Art Museum, and the Museum of Arts and Design to name a few.
Steffen Dam, Specimen Cabinet, 2017. Glass, illuminated wooden presentation box. 39 1/4″ X 24″ W X 9 3/8″ D. Exhibited at Heller Gallery. Image courtesy of Suzanne Lovell Inc.
Steffan Dam’s Specimen Cabinet beckoned us into Heller Gallery’s booth. Jellyfish and other marine life suspended within chic glass vessels, it looked as if the specimens were caught mid-movement adding interest.
Gino Miles, Zia (Monumental), 2016. Marine grade stainless steel, hand cut and welded, on a rusted steel base, 17’2 H shown on a 2′ H base with turning radius. Image courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery.
Also at the fair were massive sculptures. Long-Sharp Gallery had a beautiful sculpture by Gino Miles on view. Made of marine grade stainless steel, hand cut and welded, Miles imparts his love of the classical figure and admiration of European Masters such as Brancusi and Moore.
Favoring stainless steel and bronze, his sculptures appear weightless and balanced contradicting its material. Miles considers where the sculptures will be placed and will often select a material that will allow the sculpture to blend in and connect with its environment.
Joanna Manousis, Selene, 2017. Cast opaline glass, steel, and aluminum, 33 1/2″ H X 33 1/2″ W X 3 1/2″ D. Exhibited at Habatat. Image courtesy of Suzanne Lovell Inc.
As we walked the fair we saw gorgeous hand-made jewelry and many beautiful glass sculptures. We were especially drawn to Joanna Manousis’s Selene on view at Habatat’s booth.
Manousis creates works in glass and mixed media. Her artwork seeks to engage human emotion, memory, and the passage of time. Not surprisingly, Manousis’s art is included in many public collections.
We enjoyed all SOFA had to offer and look forward to viewing the results of what sold! Included below are details to attend SOFA Chicago 2017.
Peter Olson, London Grouping. Images on ceramic. On view at Duane Reed Gallery. Image courtesy of SOFA.
Details to Attend:
SOFA Chicago
Location: Navy Pier, in Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Saturday, November 4, 2017: 11 am – 7 pm (10 – 11 am VIP hour)
Sunday, November 5, 2017: 12 – 6 pm
Cost: Tickets begin at $20.00