Michael Schwegmann

I create sculptural representations of common objects such as hand tools, paint cans, and industrial components. I choose objects that I consider cultural artifacts. Most of these are common objects that have great significance but are often overlooked.

Rather than making purely trompe loeil pieces, I make design choices so that an engaged audience understands the sculptures are more than what they may first seem at a distance. I think my sculpture represents the referred object, but more like a memory of that object–it looks like what we think that object looks like, or perhaps that object seen through a filter.

In most cases, I increase the scale of the object in order to highlights its sculptural qualities. I also believe the greater scale implies importance of the object.