“If you’ve done the right job - the best job you can - you’ll look at your work and get joy from it. If you don’t get joy out of the work you complete, it’s just work. And I don’t consider this work.
I consider this joy.”
Richard Stravitz on WHRO’s CURATE Series
Recognition and Awards include:
Selected as Artist of the Month for the National Art Museum of Sport, December, 2015.
National Art Museum of Sport 2014 Commitment to Excellence in Art and Sport. A Fine Art Competition and Exhibit, Best in Show for "V-Seat" sculpture.
National Art Museum of Sport 2012 Commitment to Excellence in Art and Sport: A Fine Art Competition and Exhibit, Silver Medal for sculpture.
National Art Museum of Sport 2011 Commitment to Excellence in Art and Sport: A Fine Art Competition and Exhibit, Silver Medal for sculpture.
International Olympic Committee 2004 and 2008 Summer Games Sports Artist Contest, runner up for sculpture
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show "Best Sculpture" 1993
By Special Invitation, an exhibition at the prestigious National Sculpture Society, NY, NY
In Progress
The recently finished "Gaia" was inspired by Christian Dior's "J'Adore" perfume campaign starring Charlize Theron in a flowing gown epitomizing the elegance of the female form. Second only to athletic poses is Richard's love of reproducing softness and curves in bronze form. Already completed "Stravitz Ladies" include "Eve", "Wings of Grace", "Lost in Thought", "Naked in Repose" and "Salacia."
The precision
of a craftsman,
the heart of an artist.
The "Lateral Throw" project came to be as a result of Richard's love of complicated projects involving mathematical derring-do and copious amounts of musculature. This work in progress also unfolded in response to the popularity of his first wrestling sculpture entitled, "Suplay." Collectors whose business lives were predicated on Big 10 wrestling scholarships had contacted Richard in the past and have continued a relationship with the gallery in hopes that his love of athletic, figurative sculpture would produce another wrestling pose for posterity. Richard has long been interesting in the motion and momentum of athletes. He’s spent years meticulously perfecting the depiction of muscles and anatomy and the positioning form of athletes from various sports. His ability to capture a moment in detail is unsurpassed and a true indication of his attention to detail. He works from his own exacting measurements, often using live models so body shapes will be both accurately and beautifully rendered. This current piece depicting two wrestlers tumbling together is a testament to his willingness to take on difficult ideas and work through the challenges of form and balance to produce a captivating moment in time.
