Lawrence Kinney

About
Lawrence Kinney

As a sculptor for more than 40 years, I have developed four distinct bodies of work, which influence one another but differ in materials and purpose.  Each body continually evolves as I explore new processes and insights.

METAL & PLEXIGLASS SCULPTURE
Inspired in part by my attraction to shapes found in nature, architecture, and the geometry of man-made objects, these indoor pedestal and wall sculptures consist of shaped and resurfaced metals combined with layers of clear, translucent, and opaque plexiglass that have been shaped, heated, and torched.  The resulting sculptures, which are visually if not physically kinetic, respond to low light and movement around them.

SPUN RESIN SCULPTURES
Inspired by more than 300 sculptures I made for theme parks and public places.  Each sculpture consists of resins and pigments that have been placed over carved mixed media. Color is layered between completely clear overcoats that emphasize the sculpture's physicality and character.  Volume, color, and shape are meant to evolve naturally as the sculpture is turned on a slow RPM motor.  The effect of each piece depends on the materials, ambient conditions, and the character of the under-sculpture.

FAUX FUNCTION SCULPTURES & ASSEMBLAGES
Inspired in part by my appreciation of old tools, simple machinery, and other objects, these indoor and outdoor sculptures sometimes incorporate found and historical objects with aged woods and metals.  The resulting works often appear to have a real or fantastic function.

FINE ART TABLES
Smooth tables, often with rounded edges, that often combine 2-4 complimentary types of wood. They are intended to look elegant, yet organic.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
-Public fine art sculptures installed on the grounds of Buffalo State University, Artpark, Farmer's Garden (Black Rock, New York)
-Co-founder of the University Heights Ars Association (2013) which serves an average of 2-3000 artists, children & families per year through each of four programs
including a sculpture garden
-More than 320 sculptures for public spaces, theme parks, restaurants, and educational facilities
-Fine Art tables for businesses and public spaces
-One-of-a-kind sculpted awards for Buffalo International Film Festival and West Herr Corporation
-Juror:  Allentown Arts Festival


Portfolio

  • Coppertop Frolov Table,  private commission
  • Brockie the Pig, commissioned for Farmer's Garden, Black Rock, New York.
  • Sea Pony, spun resin over carved medium with armature
  • Joint Wisdom, spun resin over carved medium with armature
  • Flutter, metal and plexiglass
  • Self-Refraction, metal and plexiglass
  • Disc Driver, metal and plexiglass
  • Patent Applied For, mixed woods, metals, and found objects
  • Mary G. Ross, Engineer, Scientist, Cherokee-American, steam-bent wood with metal accents, installed at Buffalo State University
  • Billy Bison, resin & pigments over carved medium over metal armature commissioned for King Condrells Candy & Ice Cream
  • Spalted Device, Wood & Metal public sculpture installed at Art Park, Lewiston, NY


Education

Completion of Graduate Studies in Sculpture, State University of New York at Buffalo.
BFA in sculpture, State University of New York at Buffalo.
Undergraduate Studies, Munson Williams Proctor Institute in conjunction with Mohawk Valley Community College (now Pratt Munson Williams, Utica, New York.


Awards

SELECTED AWARDS
Corporate Supporter of the Year.  2018. From Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies. Accepted as co-founder of the University Heights Arts Association.
Rising Star Spark Award. 2016.  From the Art Services Initiative, Buffalo, New York.  Accepted as co-founder of the University Heights Arts Association.
'Edges '08' Sculpture Competition. From Artpark, Lewiston, New York. 2008. Grand Prize.
Menno Alexander Reeb Memorial Award for Sculpture.  From Albright Knox Art Gallery. 1992, 1990.
Rumsey Award, 1988.  From the State University of New York at Buffalo.  For the study of the art and architecture of Spain.  Included follow-up exhibition.


Publications

Niagara Gazette  Niagara Gazette: Conduits of Light and Form
Riverside Review  Welcome to Black Rock's Newest Neighbor  pdf & print copies available
Niagara Gazette  NYPA Gearing Up for Earthday Juror of Earthday competition, UHAA earth art program
Niagara Gazette  Edges Winner Lawrence Kinney
Niagara Publications  (feature story about game table for Niagara Falls Library) -pdf of printed article available
The Batavian  ILGR & UHAA Announce New Series of Exhibitions
The Batavian  Independent Living to Unveil Self-Serve Art Kiosk at Batavia Location
Buffalo News:   Buffalo News: Edges '08 Shows Off Artpark's Roots
Artvoice "Trilogies  XXIII"   photo of sculpture and announcement  (pdf copy available)
EVE Magazine:  Two feature stories about large sculpture in honor of Mary G. Ross  (pdf and print copies available)
Observer Dispatch  (Utica, NY): Computer Scientist and Artist Open Low Profile Gallery




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