Jon Koehler

Artist Statement

The journey is just as important as the destination, in the craftsmanship of Jon Koehler's stainless steel sculptures. By creating kinetic sculptures, Jon is pushing the boundaries of metal engineering. Starting in the details of the craft, knowing how to breakdown the elements of steel with the manipulation of welding. Jon brings opposing forces into equilibrium, turning cold hard steel into a graceful kinetic balance within its environment. Making the immovable move, making a heavy medium appear light, is the dichotomy of his work. Creating from a pure source of exploration and pushing the boundaries of imagination and engineering. Jon's creative objective is to bring the viewer into a new world where a gentle breeze or push of the hand will bring to life the complexity of his organic sculpture. Thus transporting the viewer further into a world where steel dances like a feather in the wind. The continued exploration of "opposites in balance" is what fuels Jon's imagination and continued creative pursuits. To extend the realm of kinetic movement. Creating a visual harmony with flowing lines of steel, within a natural environment.


Biography

What does motocross, sport racing, boats, welding & a fun attitude look like if it was all combined? One only needs to look at the kinetic metal sculptures of Jon Koehler to receive the answer.

Jon's kinetic art sculptures are full of movement and imagination, ranging in size from 3 inches to 30 feet. His large public works are displayed in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas & New York. Jon strives to find a symbiotic balance within his art and its environment, allowing the wind and natural elements to evoke the tranquil movement relative to each piece.

Learning from an early age, Jon's father was a master boat/craftsman, passing on his knowledge of metal, wood, business, and integrity to his son. Jon took these skills and dove into the world of sport car racing. He not only was a driver, but was able to make uniquely difficult custom high performance parts. Here he worked with extremely crucial, close tolerance metal forming, machining and welding techniques. As a driver he understood and respected these techniques, as these small details made a big difference at the finish line.

After 10 years of traveling in the racing industry Jon found his way back home to the Port of San Diego, returning his talents to the marine world. Jon is a popular local source for custom stainless steel modifications for million dollar yachts. Though these modification have practical purposes, Jon insists on creating a timeless aesthetic to each piece. Continuing to find new avenues for his large and small metal fabrications, Jon finds new ways to push his creative integrity and knowledge of metal.