Gary Passanise

Electronic Press Kit

St. Louis based artist Gary Passanise uses a variety of media in his work, including: wax, charred lumber, limestone, steel, and found objects. He strives to explore the inherent qualities of surface and forms as well as their implicit symbolic presence. Passanise transforms his materials, rendering them mysterious and inviting. His sculptures are always sensitive to issues of scale and space. His works do not confront the viewer; rather, they invite viewers into metaphorical relationships and conversations, creating an easy give-and-take that becomes more rewarding over time. In Passanise's work, boundaries between spaces, pieces, interiors, and exteriors become blurred. Taken together, the pieces weave a delicate web of metaphysical connections that transcend material limitations. They function together with the space to create a work that is greater than the sum of its individual parts.Gary Passanise first received his B.F.A. in painting and drawing at Webster University in 1977 and then studied at Southern Illinois University where he received his M.F.A. in painting and drawing in 1980. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries across the United States, Europe, and Asia.