Sculpted Boxes by A. Andrew Chulyk

Artist Statement: A. Andrew Chulyk

"When asked where I get the inspiration for my box designs, I usually answer with a story about my Ukrainian heritage and how my early ancestors lived near an old 12th century trade route north of the Black Sea. perhaps the images of exotic objects transported by caravans passing through their village along with the stories of faraway and mysterious places somehow got locked into their genetic memory and now bubble up, generations later, into my creative thinking process. Who knows..."

Chulyks' boxes, although functional, have a sculptural quality that allows them to be admired just for their form and integration of color. The larger boxes are made up of stacking sections, with some boxes having as many as five separate storage areas.

"I feel that my boxes are more sculpted than assembled. Once the initial form is constructed, everything is laboriously hand-sanded to maintain detail of form and fit. The hand sanding continues on through a gesso surface filling process and 2 coats of automotive primer right up to the final coat of paint. The result is a smooth and flawless finish that allows the design of the form and color to become one. Many times I'm asked what material the box is made from and at a distance is often mistaken for metal. Their smoothness invites touch. Their color evokes serenity."

A. Andrew Chulyk , born in 1948 in Salem, Mass, is a self-taught sculptor and desinger. " I chose to by-pass the traditional formalist methods taught in art schools and explore my artistic talents independently. Often guided by supportive mentors and artists, I had the freedom to explore and experiment with form, design, and materials in unconventional ways, applying my ideas and approaches to creative problem solving in real working enviorments." chulyk has received numerous awards for his innovative product and packaging concepts and his work has appeared in both Print and Communication Arts magazines.

As a sculptor, he has exhibited his work in galleries and at colleges through out New England and has been reviewed by ART NEW ENGLAND and SCULPTURE magazine. His work is in the permanent collection of Merrimack College, Andover, MA and Museum Towers in New York City and many private collections around the country.