JOHN BRICKELS     guybarn@usa.net

John Brickels has been creating architecturally themed art for over 35 years. Most recently, Brickels has created a new series sculptures based on vintage pedal cars. Inspiration for his stoneware buildings comes from weathered barns, row houses, amusement parks and "Rust Belt" factories. A native of Ohio, Brickels grew up among both urban and rural architecture and finds the effects of weather and time on barns and buildings fascinating.
While living in Texas during the 1980's, John was commissioned by the City of San Antonio to create sculptures of the city's historical missions and cathedrals. Mayor Henry Cisneros presented those sculptures to visiting dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth, President George H. W. Bush, Placido Domingo, Juan Carlos I, King of Spain and Pope John Paul II.
Living in Vermont since 1986, John has constructed hundreds of dilapidated barn sculptures. With bending walls and sagging roofs he observes the barn form as a metaphor for aging. The Burlington Free Press writes, "Worn down by time and the elements, the buildings look positively beat: slouched, swollen with experience poised for either collapse or escape."
John has most recently recieved the Peoples Choice Award for his sculptures at the 2007 Weston Craft Show held in Weston, Vermont. He received the Juror's Choice Purchase Award for his entry in the 2006 International Orton Cone Box Show. In 2005 he exhibited at SOFA, Sculpture Objects and Fine Craft Show in New York City. From 2004 to 2005 his barn sculptures were exhibited in the Smithsonian Institute "Barn Again, Celebrating an American Icon" National Exhibit.