William Kolok calls himself an object maker. And a storyteller.
“I am driven to sculpt as I have something to say that only I can say,” said the Kentucky artist.
Artist: Born in Port Chester, NY, and grew up in Byram, CT, Kolok received a BA in art and art education from Berry College in Rome, GA.
After graduation, he taught elementary and high school art in Rome before heading to the University of Georgia, where he earned an MFA in sculpture.
For the next 34 years, Kolok worked at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro. In 2013, he retired as head of the art department.
Company/studio: Kolok Wood & Stone Sculpture Studio is based in Owensboro.
In 2011, Kolok bought and renovated a small house for a studio and gallery, where he displays his finished sculptures for visitors to see.
“It’s a place to go to be separate from the rest of the world, to work, to engage, to dream,” said Kolok.
In the beginning: Kolok started college as a biology major. After he took the required art course, he fell in love with art and switched majors.
Art & materials: Sculpture using repurposed wood, stone and found objects.
- Most wood/stone sculptures ($300 to $900).
- Larger limestone pieces which can go in gardens ($1,200 to $3,000).
- Commissioned work ($2,000 to $6,000).
Process:
- Often begins with small drawings, allowing ideas to develop before moving into sculpture.
- As he carves and constructs, Kolok selects materials intuitively, responding to the evolving form while embedding personal content into the three-dimensional work.
“These narratives guide the development of each piece and help shape it into a larger body of work,” said Kolok. “I invite viewers to engage with my sculptures and bring their own interpretations to the forms and stories they encounter.”
Tools: Band saw, table saw, grinders, rasps, sand paper, air hammer and chisels.
Inspirations: Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, Leonard Baskin and Constantin Brancusi.
Special commissions: “Beside Still Waters,” a 10-foot bronze sculpture for the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
The sculpture serves as a visual metaphor for the journey of recovery and the strength of the human spirit.
Recent project: A limestone garden sculpture in Owensboro. The sculpture was a gift from adult children to their parents who have long admired Kolok’s work.
Where to buy:
- Artist’s studio: Kolok Wood & Stone Sculpture gallery/studio, 2901 Veach Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303. Or contact the artist through his website: kolok.net.
- Kore Gallery, koreartgallery.com, Louisville, KY.
- Beluga Press Gallery and Studio, belugapressart.gallery, Bloomington, IN.
Connect:
- Facebook: William Kolok
- Instagram: @kolok_william
