Ursula von Rydingsvard: Sculpting Metaphors in Wood
Early Life and Influences
Ursula von Rydingsvard was born in Germany in 1942 and spent her early childhood in refugee camps. In 1950, her family immigrated to the United States. She studied sculpture at Columbia University with Ronald Bladen, George Sugarman, and Jean Linder.
Autobiographical and Ancestral Content
Wood became the key material for von Rydingsvard’s sculptures, which often explore autobiographical and ancestral themes. Her work evokes memories of everyday objects and architectural forms, such as barns, sheds, barracks, pews, and altars. Through these forms, she explores the human experience of loss, displacement, and resilience.
Domestic and Comforting Qualities
Despite their often somber and brooding qualities, von Rydingsvard’s sculptures possess a domestic and comforting aspect. They are large and monumental, yet they also evoke a sense of familiarity and intimacy. Her use of wood, with its natural warmth and texture, contributes to this sense of comfort.
Metaphors for Human Effort and Need
Von Rydingsvard’s sculptures often function as metaphors for human effort and need. Her use of bones, beams, and rafters suggests the physical and emotional struggles that people endure. Through her work, she explores the human capacity for resilience and the ways in which we build and support one another.
Recognition and Legacy
Von Rydingsvard’s sculpture began to gain recognition about a decade ago. Her work has been acquired by major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Walker Art Center. Private collectors and corporations, including Microsoft, have also commissioned outdoor pieces.
Restoring the Sense of Craft to Sculpture
Martin Friedman, director emeritus of the Walker Art Center, has praised von Rydingsvard for restoring the sense of craft to sculpture. Her meticulous attention to detail and her use of traditional woodworking techniques demonstrate her commitment to craftsmanship and the physicality of her medium.
Upcoming Exhibitions
An exhibition of von Rydingsvard’s indoor sculpture, organized by the Madison Art Center, is currently on a four-city tour. A show of her outdoor sculpture will open at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City on May 9th. These exhibitions provide an opportunity to experience the power and resonance of her work firsthand.
Conclusion
Ursula von Rydingsvard is a renowned sculptor whose work explores themes of memory, identity, and the human condition. Through her evocative use of wood and her masterful craftsmanship, she creates sculptures that are both haunting and comforting, challenging us to reflect on our own experiences and the resilience of the human spirit.