 "Photo:")
Swimmers are going to be greeted by a "whimsical" poolside sculpture this semester, courtesy of local artist Phillip Glashoff.
In November, SCC will host an online auction and "Ducky and Diver" whose studio price is $5,000, will be entered with the bidding started at $2,500. Charles Schatzer, associate vice president of workforce and community development, says the money received for the item will go towards "road travel and stuff the budget doesn't cover."
Glashoff who studied agriculture at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo decided when he was 29 that he wanted to create lasting images. Now internationally known, Glashoff has work that can be seen at the U.S. embassy in Japan, and in Hawaii and Los Angeles as well some local parks in Solano County.
Glashoff has been sculpting for the last 12 years in the Suisun Valley, in a studio in an inherited cornfield alongside his son, Chad Glashoff. With Scottish Highlander cattle grazing alongside zebra, Chad feels the land now comes to life.
"Now we don't plant fruit trees, we plant sculptures," Chad Glashoff said.
Chad, admitting that he was first inspired by his father at eight, has since developed his own sculpting style that is best described as a shinier and more abstract than his father's, who uses the term "whimsical" to describe his style and often sculpts with more rusty and painted metals.
For Chad, what it boils down to is, "I have a more expensive habit."
Admitting his two years at U.C. Berkeley has got him in touch "with a higher level of thinking," Chad adds, "I'm just a big sponge now soaking it up."
Having already completed 17 shows this year and preparing for at least four more, Chad says the work can be strenuous on the human body.
"Ducky and Diver" weighs in at about 200 pounds and due to the popularity of Glashoff's work, it still must be chained down to ward off envious collectors.
Glashoff has also donated another piece that will be available for bidding during a silent auction Oct. 19, during a benefit concert featuring Nick Palance. Proceeds from the concert will benefit breast cancer awareness programs at NorthBay Cancer Center and the Solano Community College Foundation.
For more information on both Chad and Phillip Glashoff, you can view pieces of their collections online at www.glashoffgalery.com or you can call them at 707-427-8060.
Be the first to comment on this article!