CARMEL, Calif. – August 8, 2019 – Award-winning sculptor and Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) board member Tony Sikorski will introduce a “hot” piece of original art named ‘Firebird, at the group’s exhibit and reception at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel. Several other of Sikorski’s pieces will also be part of the free exclusive car art show, entitled “Old Masters at the New Masters,” from August 10 through 18 during the Monterey Collector Car Week.
Sikorski is famous for turning everyday items into compelling art. For instance, he transformed vintage license plates into automotive sculpture at last year’s exhibit in Pebble Beach.
This year, his attention turned to a more “organic” medium. While some, as the saying suggests, can’t see the forest for the trees, Tony Sikorski finds artistic opportunity.
“I’ve used various materials over the years, but most enjoy working with wood because it is so very natural and very accessible,” said Sikorski. “The specific piece of wood used for my ‘Firebird’ carving was a common 2X6 found at Home Depot. The inspiration for the carving’s shape and execution came from the gorgeous grain. Looking at it, my eye detected many lines found in the pre-war great classic cars. I simply unlocked that design through my art.”
Measuring roughly eight inches wide, eight inches high and over two feet long, ‘Firebird’ is imbued with both motion and emotion, almost flammable in its intensity. And while the genre might take the viewer back to the ‘30s, the performance conveyed by the distortion of the front wheels is amplified by the rear of the car in flames. Hence, the name ‘Firebird’.
After attending the Ivy Art Institute of Graphic Design, Sikorski began an advertising career in 1963. In addition to his accomplishments in graphic arts, Sikorski has had a love affair with the automobile for as long as he can recall. Automotive designs from the ‘30s, Formula One and vintage racing cars all resonate, and frequently serve as his subjects. Beginning with corrugated cardboard as his medium of choice in 1995, Sikorski has more recently turned to wood.
A winner of numerous awards over the last quarter-century, more of Sikorski’s artwork can be seen at www.autoartgallery.com.
The AFAS exhibit opens at the New Masters Gallery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10 and closes at 5:30. Those hours will continue through Friday, August 16. On Saturday (August 17), the exhibit again opens at 10:00 a.m., while a reception honoring the latest AFAS artists work begins at 4:00 p.m. and concludes at 6:30. The reception has evolved into a popular hotspot for celebrities, art collectors and industry leaders to preview and purchase the latest AFAS pieces. The gallery is located at Dolores St. between Ocean Ave. and 7th St. in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
AFAS was first established in 1983 by a group of artists who are acknowledged by critics to be among the best in their field. Members work in diverse mediums, including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS and its members have participated in select shows across the country, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Dana Point Concours d’Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Additional information about the Automotive Fine Arts Society is available at www.autoartgallery.com.
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