Terry Westra

Artist Statement:

I find making sculpture for the garden most enjoyable. There is something very satisfying about building abstract sculpture that blends with nature through its natural patina yet demands attention because of its shape. Besides the use of rusted steel I enjoy using stainless steel and natural stone to breathe life into the piece and give it a heartbeat. Building a piece of sculpture is an intimate process that occurs between the metal and the artist. When the face shield come down the hot flame and sparks dance across the steel melding one to the other. Then, with a whisper, or sometimes a shout, the metal says "I'M Done!" And most of the time I agree!

Biography:

Terry Westra is a graduate of Ferris State University with a major in Education. While teaching in Grand Rapids he became fascinated with the construction of Alexander Calder's "La Grande Vetes". He started making mobiles and gradually worked into larger scale sculpture. He's been in many local and regional art shows: Grand Rapid's FESTIVAL, Muskegon's REGIONAL, and Holland's FRIENDS OF THE ARTS. Also to his credit he has shown in multiple invitational shows: The Betty Clarke Canon Gallery, Muskegon; Corcoran Gallery, Muskegon; Carlyn Gallery, Grand Haven; Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing; Ada Arts Council, Ada; Ox Bow, Douglas; Meijer Botanical Gardens, Grand Rapids; Muskegon Community College, Muskegon; and Marco Island Art League, Florida.

His work is exhibited in public, corporate, and private collections throughout the United States. Some local patrons include: The city of Grand Haven, Grand Haven Public Schools, The Frauenthal Center of Muskegon, Shape Corporation of Grand Haven, Marushka Inc. of Grand Haven, Mr. and Mrs. Jay VanAndel of Ada, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sweet of Grand Haven, Mr. and Mrs. B. Sherwood of Spring Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lipsig of Saugatuck, Mr. Arthur Fredrick of Saugatuck, and Mrs. Elizabeth Crosby of Ada.

Presently Terry's work can be seen at the following galleries: Button Gallery, Douglas; Wildflower, Glen Arbor; Main Street Gallery, Leland; and Corners Gallery, Frankfort.