Although the original inspiration for Marques Vickers' totem sculptures came during a trip to Scandinavia three years ago, his work has continued to evolve after a subsequent trip to Europe.
While visiting his two daughters in France last year, Vickers says he realized just what his large-scale steel sculptures needed-a touch of wood, giving some color to the pieces that incorporate recycled items.
"It was in France I had the realization that what I was doing was unfinished," says Vickers. "When you're surrounded by great art, you hope
a little rubs off."Upon returning to his Benicia studio in the old arsenal, Vickers started his mixed-media iconic totems. Vickers coined the "iconic totem" phrase to describe his work, adding, "Every artist looks for their unique niche."
His sculptures incorporate multicolored patina and painted Douglas fir bases with metal components he finds in salvage yards. The wood receives a complex coloring before being sealed in resin, which gives the totem a stone-like quality, says the artist.
"As I started doing these, I found I liked the results more and more," says Vickers. "Art is the freedom to experiment."
The recycled portions of his iconic totems come primarily from machine parts that would otherwise be melted down.
"I'm a prisoner to what I can find," says Vickers with a laugh, "There's no question I look at a piece of junk and see it differently than other people."
His totems are up to 10 feet tall and have been shown extensively throughout the Bay Area. Some of his favorites will be on display in the tasting room of Gloria Ferrer Champagne Cellars in Sonoma.
"I like people to see my work," says Vickers. "If it is in my studio, the number of people seeing it is limited."
He says he wants his pieces to provoke reaction from viewers, as that will often lead them to focus on other issues. Vickers admits to eavesdropping during an exhibit when his totems are on display.
"It's a rush," he says. "I'm not concerned about whether (my art) is liked or not. It has already met my critical eye."
Vickers acknowledges that he is his own harshest critic, and that he has redone a number of his totems sculptures before he is satisfied with the final product.
Naming the pieces allows his to have some fun though. Some of the names included "A Bulbous Snob" and "Coping with the Modern Delirium."
Vickers' works have been displayed both inside and outside, and he notes that a half-dozen totems, which were on display outside last summer, withstood the weather.
The Vallejo native says he appreciates the economy of warehouse space in the old arsenal and the quiet nature of the area, especially when he works in his studio at night.
"You have fewer distractions, which allows you to focus on your work," Vickers says.
The artist, teacher and entrepreneur says he never envisioned himself in this endeavor, though he admits his life was definitely missing a creative outlet.
His iconic totems-as well as his acrylic paintings-seem to have filled that void.
Solano Times by Catherine D. Jacobson (January 27 Issue)
Photo By Dean Coppola/Solano Times Staff