Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. • Photos By Matt Johnson and Provided By Dave Caudill
Having collections spanning across public, private, corporate, and museums, Dave Caudill has an indelible mark on the art industry. With work covering decades, it’s not often we get to get into the mind of great creatives whose work helps humanity better understand the gravitas of creation’s intricacies. Caudill offered some insights to his art and sculptor journey, a ride that leaves extraordinary memories.
Tell me how you became interested in art and being a sculptor?
“I was very interested in art as a child, but after two years of college, I was convinced I would be happiest if I became an artist. Sculpture came later, after three years of art school and beginning work in graphic design and illustration – all two-dimensional. I was frustrated by my inability to think in three dimensions, so I started carving.”
What/who is your art inspiration?
“It has varied over the years, but today, more than anything else, it is light in all its manifestations, the way it falls on and through forms. Sunsets are daily miracles to me.
I admire artists from throughout the ages. Two years ago, I saw the cave paintings at Lascaux. Those artists are so inspiring - and no less than any others.”
What is your favorite piece of your art? Tell me about its process and development?
“I don’t have a single favorite, but here are two. The Bolivian Odyssey, a meditative labyrinth based on a fingerprint in order to serve its visitors as a metaphor of our unique journeys through life. I drew many variations of the concept, one of which I showed to Teresa Camacho-Hull, my Bolivian American collaborator who enabled me to fulfill the vision on a large scale (It is half the size of a football field.)
The Search for Musical North, a dynamic mobile that hangs in the lobby of UofL’s School of Music. It is a sweeping linear steel composition of boldly colored intersecting movements. I wanted to honor the personal driving force of all musicians.”
How has art evolved in our modern world today? Not just domestically in the United States, but across the globe?
“It has expanded to include virtually every medium of human expression, and every motivation. Art today invites, challenges, intrigues and awes. It can awaken us to the widest potential and the most personal possibilities.”
What message do you want your art to convey for years to come?
“Enjoy your moments as they pass. Beauty and peace can be fleeting.”
Describe an obstacle you were able to overcome that yielded to your success?
“Learning to swim in middle age. It led me to learn scuba diving which led me to conceive an environmental undersea sculpture. I designed The Angel of Harmony as a line drawing in stainless steel pipes that could support coral reef life and serve as a symbol of humanity in harmony with the rest of the natural world. That sculpture launched my career and focused me on sculpture in landscapes and gardens.”
What do you want the public to know about future projects, work, etc.?
“Stay tuned. I have no idea what will come next.”
18 of Dave’s sculptures are currently on exhibit at Yew Dell Gardens for those who would like an up close and personal look at his works.
Learn more at caudillart.com
