The inspiration for my art work comes from my love of Rock ‘n Roll. Specifically, Led Zeppelin. You could say it has been an obsession since I first saw them back in 1973.
My work first came out back in the late 80’s using wood as a medium, in many instances making three dimensional paintings using a router and other carving tools to give depth to my work. For my own enjoyment I started doing 3-D album covers, doing a wide range of artists.
Culminating in my Physical Graffiti cover. After seven months of carving each brick and building out the fire escapes etc., I was exhausted on album covers.
Yet not wanting to give up on the wood working aspect, I turned my attention to ship building. First the Titanic, which got me a spot on News 12 Long Island, an 8 ft hand made wood replica of the ill fated ocean liner, each piece hand made. Then I followed that up with the USS North Carolina. A slightly smaller work by scale, yet much more complicated and more detail to do. I spent many years on both.
Finally, having exhausted my self on wood all together, I have recently turned my attention to canvas using both Acrylics and Oils. I am back in the Rock ‘n Roll genre, as well as family portraits and movie characters. My drive still is in the music theme. Listening to Rock ‘n Roll has been my main inspiration for my work with my obsession with Led Zeppelin being the main stay of my art.
Bruce J Schmalfuss 