Sten Hoiland was initially drawn to wire sculpture by the early figures of Alexander Calder, whose work was in the back of his mind when he began to play with these forms.

There is a constant challenge in working three dimensionally with wire.  Because it’s still basically a line drawing, the figures are stuck somewhere between two and three dimensions.  He is constantly trying to suggest as many good vantage points while maintaining a simplicity to keep the energy as light as possible.  The changing shadows cast by the movement of the figures add additional dimensions to the sculptures.

Sten loves the elated energy and movement in the leaps of dancers, though he is also drawn to themes involving the whimsical, dry humor of everyday people and activities.  Recently he has ventured into animal themes, both serious (wildlife) and humorous (often pets).

Sten also loves the portability of wire.  His wire “studio” is like a knitting basket allowing him to bring it with me almost anywhere.  In the past he has worked in ceramics and photography which both require a great deal of equipment, a long drawn out process, and expensive materials. With wire he has none of these encumbrances.

Sten’s material of choice is rebar tie wire (#16 gauge), though he also works in aluminum and occasionally copper. Thicker gauge aluminum (3/16) allows him to create larger works including life-sized human figures.

After graduation from UC Berkeley with a degree in Resource Studies, Sten has had a variety of careers including teaching, farming and small business owner.  He has dabbled in a wide variety of art forms for years taking classes at both Chico State and Butte College.  In 1999, he received the Dean’s Award from the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at CSU Chico. In the fall of 2004, he sold my small business in order to focus on my art on full time basis. Sten currently lives in Chico, CA with his daughter Kea and two demanding cats.

Please contact Vista Gallery for more information on Sten Hoiland’s commissioned pieces or custom sizes.