Mark Gottschalk

"Currently, my work focuses on "Transparent Liquid Color." I blend acrylic colors, dyes, and hues into crystal-clear resin, creating brilliant, transparent color effects that maintain a liquid appearance when set. The designs emphasize streamlined forms, clean shapes, fluid lines, and contemporary forms."

Gottschalk is an experienced hard-edge and color field painter, as well as his works in shaped canvases, wall-hung sculptures, and free-standing sculptures, including kinetic works that utilize mechanical and natural movements. He created machines that move on overhead trolleys and tall metal reeds that sway in unison with even the slightest breeze. More recently, his mahogany and polished metal fish pay homage to the 1950s and 60s, capturing the glory of the magnificent wooden powerboats.

He creates his pieces using computerized machinery. Once the rough wood shapes are laminated, they are refined by hand to achieve the desired result. The mahogany pieces are dyed and lacquered, while the aluminum is machined, cut, polished, or brushed. Bold transparent pigments are blended to color my latest designs, which are then enhanced with a coat of crystal clear, VOC-free resin.

Gottschalk received his BFA degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he studied under light artist Cork Marcheski and sculptor Dick Graham. During his time at MCAD, he had the opportunity to work under George Morrison to create Morrison’s "Red Totems."