J. Jack Demunnik is currently an Artist in Residence at the American Industrial Arts Gallery. His expertise comes from 20 years as Executive Art Director at Leo Burnett and other top Chicago ad agencies. Jack’s skill as an artist first emerged as he worked with patterns he first discovered in the corridors of the Beloit Iron Works.
“The experience was quite mystical in the stillness of all the dust-covered wooden patterns lining the shelves of the historic factory buildings. The sound of the hands that had once crafted and brought them to life from the hard woods of nineteenth century Wisconsin woodlands seemed to echo in the storage lofts.”
Jack’s scale in creating the pieces was dictated by the forms themselves, as they seemed to build upon each other in their connectivity and ability to evolve into something new and beautiful. At once reminiscent of native North American Indian’s icons, these sculptures are a deeper representation of American craftsmanship and pioneering spirit. Jack’s work brings a unique and impactful statement to the surroundings. The historical context of the patterns span over a hundred years as they become deftly reassembled into sculptures that intrigue and inspire the senses.
Artwork Gallery
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