John Piet, Ten Minutes Early: 8:20, 1976-78, Painted Galvanized Steel and Wood
March 21, 2019
John Piet, Ten Minutes Early: 8:20. 1976-78. Painted galvanized steel and wood.
Ten Minutes Early: 8:20 captures a fleeting moment. Reds, browns, blues, and yellows are composed in a fluid manner, disguising the tough steel it is made of. The smooth and rough edges of its shape create the illusion that it is ever-changing. John Piet places emphasis on the initial direction of his work, but the shapes and colors come to him after. Piet says that the components to his sculptures have the ability to function on their own, but ultimately add up to a whole. His inspiration comes from growing up in Detroit and paying attention to its industrialization. The inherent noise that comes from the streets and the factories translates to his sculptures- mighty, loud, and changing.
Piet obtained his BFA at the College of Creative Studies in 1973 and then later his MFA from Wayne State University in 1975. He began his work with welded steel sculptures in the early 1970s and continued on throughout his life. He has designed sculptures for places like Pingree Park and Grand Circus Park. Piet was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his work in the International Conference of Mayan Culture by Conaculta, INAH, the Governor of Yucatan,The University of Yucatan, and the University of Mayab. Other awards include National Endowment for the Arts grant, the Michigan Council of the Arts fellowship, a Ford Foundation grant, and a key to the City of Detroit.
This piece was gifted to the Wayne State University Art Collection by James F. Duffy in 1992.
-Written by Marissa N. Gannascoli-