Artist Interview Series | Eike Waltz |California Based Sculptor

Linus Galleries, Fine Art Gallery

2014 Artist Interview Series

Eike Waltz

Linus Galleries, a fine art gallery based out of Los Angeles, presents The Artist Interview Series. This series is a new blog featuring Linus artists from a variety of different practices and backgrounds. The blog aims to be an enjoyable read, sharing insight into the artist’s creative process and workspace, as well as their view of the world around us. This week we feature Eike Waltz, a California-based sculptor, and his incredible bronze artworks.

1) Please tell us your name, artistic practice of choice, and location in the world.

My name is Eike Waltz and I am a sculptor living in Aptos, California.

2) Are you self-taught or did you formally study art?

I studied at the Akademie fuer Druck und Werbung in Berlin, followed by the London College of Printing, followed by the Royal College of Art, London (MdesRCA). I was a great admirer of Jean Cocteau and met with him (so in a dream) when I was 20 years of age. He confronted me with the importance of “the line”. Around the same time I was told by a family member of writer Stefan Zweig to pursue the meaning of “to say” (say it outside the box, say it differently and say it with passion).

Los Angeles art gallery — Eike Waltz as Catull in Catulli Carmina (Karl Orff) – Deutsche Oper Berlin 1968

I enjoyed a twofold career as a classical ballet dancer and as an engineering designer and international electronics industry consultant. Between these careers I studied fine art and industrial design at the Royal College of Art, London. I am married to the accomplished painter Sheila Halligan-Waltz (not to forget, our cat Felix). We often collaborate in shows called “art statements” which we documented in a series of documentary films, see www.f-artstatements.com.

3) This is a hard choice for many visual artists, but what is the first answer that comes to mind when you think of your favorite color?

Black & White. Maybe because the first movies I saw on the screen and TV were in B&W. Sometimes I use colors which have to be bright to accentuate a specific point I like to make. It can be any color as long they are bright.

4) Where do you create your art?

When I wake up I like a cup of strong coffee in my bed. After first watching the news the blatant hype/manipulation/shortcoming leaves me in an angry low state. At the point of repeat I switch over to the Classic Arts Showcase and indulge in a high of infinite pleasure. This low-high experience opens my mind beyond any self-inflicted creative tyranny. Ideas are flowing.

5) What is difficult for you about your chosen medium?

My preferred chosen medium is bronze. The difficulty is to create a white patina.

6) What trends bother you?

I support, to a degree, that art has to be taught in schools. Only a gifted teacher may awake a student’s curiosity and provide some guidance. The trend to require from an “emotional infection” artist, such as Tolstoy, “communal content” to receive recognition or grand eligibility is absurd. Sometimes an artist can teach but many speak with their art only. If art speaks and communicates it will teach as a result, and all additional words are superfluous. They who need the additional words believes anyhow in everything.

7) Describe your “aha” moment when working with your medium that made you make that leap into another level. Or does that feel like it is yet to occur?

The “aha” moment when it occurs is like a zip of champagne, temporarily.

8) How do you unwind your brain?
I am always more or less wound up. Then I do like a good night’s sleep, sometimes topped by a fascinating dream (black & white or in color).

9) What musical artist/band are you currently listening to when you are creating?
Classical music, avant-garde music, unusual music.

10) Any parting advice for budding artists?
Never become a tyrant of your own mind. Look beyond the horizon.