WHO: George Schroeder

MEDIUM: Mainly metal, some paint

BEST KNOWN FOR: Large-scale abstract sculptures primarily in steel and bronze. Some works are minimalist, created from raw metal. Works in his latest series, “Blooms,” are assemblages of pieces of metal he's found in scrap yards; the resulting sculpture has an organic feel. Even many of his paintings invoke the Industrial Revolution with bold depictions of hardware.

PAYING THE BILLS: Schroeder sells his abstract art to private collectors and also sells functional art, such as elaborate gates, and pieces commissioned by public and private entities.

PHILOSOPHY: “The form is what interests me in the beginning, just how (the pieces) look, and then they take on their own life,” he said. “I don't do any preliminary drawings. I work real fast.” Why metal? He said, “Metal's around forever. When you've finished a piece, it's permanent, man. Plus, it's just fun. You get to have all kinds of machines and stuff.”

CHECK HIM OUT: You can make an appointment to see his work at Schroeder Art, his new gallery at Broadway and Houston Street, or at his studio, Metalmorphosis, near the airport. You can see his public art anytime; his most recent work includes a towering sculpture at the Julia Yates Semmes Branch Library in Comanche Lookout Park and the gates of the Broadway entrance to Brackenridge Park. Or visit schroederart.com.
 
Jessica Belasco | Contributor