3. Fruit of the Vine
David Vertacnik, KS
David Vertacnik received his M.F.A. from the New York State College of Ceramics At Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., in 1975 and his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University in 1972. David has taught at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas since 1979. His art has been viewed in numerous solo, two-person, and group exhibitions in the United States and Slovenia. His work is held in public and private collections, including those belonging to Bethel College (Newton, Kansas), the Overland Park Convention Center (Overland Park, Kansas), Emprise Bank (Wichita, Kansas), the former President of Slovenia, Milan Kucan and the city of Most na Soci, Slovenia where three sculptures grace it's picturesque river walk. David employs a wide range of materials in his pieces, including ceramics, cast bronze, industrial and agricultural objects. Many of his sculptures are designed for outdoor sites, created with elements that move freely in space.
Fruit of the Vine is a free standing sculpture composed of found objects with interactive kinetic elements. The top form rotates as the wind dictates, slightly or 360 degrees. The crank implies movement but is fixed. Some found objects were forged using a trip hammer in drawing out it's length. The use of mechanical fasteners as well as welding are employed in the piece.
Fruit of the Vine can be purchased for $7,000.