Artwork of Ross Yedinak (Walnut) Featured in Grand Rapids ArtPrize Competition
September 23, 2009
Sylvan Lake, Michigan, artist Ross Yedinak is among the artists selected for the world's largest art prize competition, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For the competition, Yedinak's hand-carved concrete "faux bois" ginkgo furniture will be featured at Bridge Street Concepts in Grand Rapids.
Ross Yedinak's faux bois work has been published in Garden Design magazine, Landscape Architect and Specifier News and myriad design blogs. Yedinak is one of few faux bois artists in the country; he makes his distinctive mark by creating whimsical and unusual forms, using saturated color and a mix of materials.
To build his ArtPrize entry, Yedinak worked out of studio space generously donated by Goldner Walsh Garden & Home, a regular supporter of local and Michigan artists, in Pontiac. The furniture consists of a hand-crafted steel frame, much of which remains exposed to create tendrils and branches. The steel is hot-dip galvanized and acid-washed for a durable and beautiful finish. Additionally, layers of concrete are built up by hand and painstakingly carved.
Yedinak uses a range of tools, including his own handmade implements, to carve the wet concrete, resulting in a variety of textures and lines. Ultimately, the resulting concrete "bark" is often surprisingly real. Using additives in his concrete mix, Yedinak ensures that his concrete furniture and sculptures will be durable and lasting through even the harshest Michigan winters.
Yedinak, a native of Grand Haven, Michigan, who has lived in the Detroit metro area for over 10 years, draws on his educational background in chemistry, physics and construction science when planning construction of his furniture. He has a wide range of expertise and experience, manifesting a unique artistic perspective. Yedinak is also a professionally trained chef - another creative interest that he continues to pursue as a caterer and personal chef.
About Concrete Faux Bois:
About ArtPrize:
"At ArtPrize, any artist—from established to emerging—has the chance to show work. Any visitor can vote. The vote will determine who wins the largest art prize in the world. We also took the unusual step to allow people in the city to open a venue and choose the artists to show in their space. There is not one official curator or jury for the competition.
The number of venues is fluid, so the number of competing artists is fluid. The possibilities are wide open." -www.artprize.com
Learn more about the ArtPrize competition here.
