John Schwarzkopf

John Schwartzkopf is a woodworker, creating both functional forms and abstract sculpture that defies the properties of this natural material. He respects tradition and uses the time honored techniques developed by craftsmen throughout the centuries, but he seeks to produce truly unique and inspired designs through his art. Schwartzkopf lets the material be his guide, following the natural forms found in his large collection of various species of wood to tell him how they should be formed. Whether the top of a bench or table or a graceful sculpture that seems to be in continuous motion. He is also inspired by traditional Asian art and design in his aesthetics, craftsmanship, and materials. Schwartzkopf attended Iowa State University and has a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. in Philosophy. He resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has participated in many exhibitions throughout Iowa and Missouri. He is well known for the distinctive benches he builds and a special group are on display and used daily at the Linn County Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they are seen as truly “functional art”. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art also has large collection of his benches. Schwartzkopf strives to bring beauty to function, making his functional constructions both useful and creative, while his abstract sculpture goes beyond the material limitations of wood with great grace and movement.