Ron "ARKAY” Klowden, Sculptor
Port St Lucie, Florida
Ron "Arkay" Klowden.
Born 11/11/39; Chicago , Illinois
Originally educated in electronics, Arkay always maintained a fervent
art interest. Arkay avidly collected art of all mediums and always
attempted to “create something”… but the results were never satisfactory. Painting attempts were dismal failures but.......
While “fiddling around”, he discovered that he could create sculptures using ordinary garden stone and rudimentary tools. Arkay discovered his ability to see 3 dimensional images in
rough stones.
Having a familiarity with tools of all kinds since childhood, the hammer and chisel were a second nature affair. This kindled a real interest and Arkay began the steps toward mastering the craft.
Arkay studied stone carving and finishing with renowned Chicago sculptor, Kay Hoffman, at the Suburban Fine Art Center, Highland Park, Illinois.
He also embarked on a travel-study program throughout Europe, Mexico, and Brazil, studying sculpture techniques with working artists.
Opening his studio in 1985, Arkay began his professional sculpture career.
Arkay's works gained prompt acceptance and recognition. He has exhibited in several galleries including Gusfield-Glimmer, Elaine Sternberg Galleries, Studio Fifteen, and Cortesi Gallery. Arkay became President of the Suburban Fine Arts Center from 1985-1990.
After relocating to Florida in 2001, Arkay opened the Waterways co-op gallery with several Florida artists. The Backus Gallery exhibited his award winning sculpture titled “Rebuilding”.
Arkay's primary medium is stone, including Marble, Alabaster, Steatite and Bronze. Some experimental work is currently being produced in lava rock and concrete for indoor/outdoor exhibit.
Mostly human form, Arkay's work has been described as "primitive", "beautifully integrated with the medium", "abstract", "somewhat figurative", and "born from the stone".
Many individual collectors and celebrities, including Michael Jordan, own Arkay sculptures.
Arkay's work has been seen at many Chicago area art festivals including Open Spectrum,
Skokie Library, Port Clinton, Old Orchard, and East Side Artworks, and more recently
at the Backus Gallery and Waterways Gallery in Florida .
Arkay's corporate commissions include the
large stone stock market sculpture of a
Bull & Bear on display at
Shearson-Lehman Hutton
in their Chicago offices.
Arkay does not involve hidden meaning, political statement or any pre-conceived form.
"I merely let the material and the moment, dictate the work."
See Chicago Tribune article titled "AGE OF ROCKS" for additional biography information
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