California artist and designer Eric Hildebrandt launches new collection of art pieces.
Photographed by De Kwok Photography
The works in plaster and wood, categorized by Vessels and Totems, utilize natural and rough material, marks in spray paint and gold leaf, ash from almond wood, and char from fire. The Vessels, forms that hold something sacred or profane and store an offering or gift, are beautiful objects that become more so by resting in another beautiful object. The Totems were inspired by Hildebrandt's years living in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, influenced by the Native American's towers that "bring our aspirations to the skies, making a monumental structure out of the symbols of our lives, both the ones lived and the ones dreamed of," he adds.
Totem 002, 7 wide x 12 deep x 33 high, reclaimed lumber, plaster, madrone wood shavings, madrone wood water, fire, twine.
Vessel 035, 5 round x 10 high, plaster, spray paint, twine.
"In the face of existential threats, creation becomes even more essential — and urgent. We must move forward to the future with the optimism of new ideas. New ideas are the blood that renews life."
—Eric Hildebrandt, artist and designer
Vessel 001, 9.5 wide x 3.5 deep x 5.5 high, plaster, reclaimed lumber, brass screws, twine.
Eric Hildebrandt has studied and practiced art and design for more than 25 years. While living in Seattle, he exhibited his photography and works on paper and wood, curated group shows, and in his own words "slayed the runway" with human-size paper doll clothes that were hand-painted and silk-screened on copper. During this time, he also co-founded Tablet, an award-winning regional magazine focused on arts, culture, and politics. He currently resides in San Francisco, where he was a sales executive in the modern design retail industry, and Guerneville, where his studio is located.
All pieces are for sale and he welcomes commissions and collaborations. ericdothildebrandt.com
