MICHAEL MAYR CREATES

How it began

I was always fascinated by wood and working with it. I started early, carving sticks and mobiles out of rootwood, following the given form of mother nature. Soon, I wanted to do more than that: three-dimensional work fascinated me.

After many years I decided to take the entrance exam for the Schnitzschule Oberammergau and was accepted.

The training included script, written and carved (calligraphy); nude drawing; modelling with clay (nude, nature study, portraiture, drapery, relief); painting; etching; pigment; gold and silver application on wood; lathe work; cabinet building; stone work; epoxy/fiberglass work; welding; printing; carving; and casts in various media. In addition I worked with glassblowers, learning their skills.

I was especially inspired by:

Leonardo da Vinci for his overwhelming variety of interests and arts he worked with.
Niki de Saint Phalle for her ability to bring out and express the colourfulness and fullfiment of the cycles of life and death, sadness and happiness.
Jean Tinguely for his amazing machines and for his personal experience.

Last but not least, my teacher
Josef Pleier for his variety of creations based on the essence of material, shape, purpose and tone. And, of course, for his remarkable teaching and understanding.

SCULPTURE

MUSIC

PRIMITIVE ARTS