Winter / Spring 2008

Ed Voelkel

Ed Voelkel’s art has a powerful visual presence. His traditional, realistic sculptures reflect the classical style while projecting an uncommon understanding of the human form and meticulous regard for detail. Ed claims, “In addition to the physical features, I’m trying to capture the life within: the essence of the human spirit.”

His efforts often result in art that demands attention. Yet with ever-present shorts and Hawaiian shirts on his 6′5″, 300 lb frame, he can’t help but demand a little attention to himself. This creates somewhat of an anomaly in the art world. It’s hard to conceive a man of such prodigious physical stature creating art with the kind of intense emotion and delicate detail found in all his work; however, the proof is in the clay. Examining one of his bronze sculptures up close reveals the results of a hopeless perfectionist.

Ed received a B.A. Degree in Art from California State University at Fullerton in 1978. Over the years none of his artistic ability has gone to waste providing for his family. This is an artist who has done a prolific amount of painting, logo design, murals, faux finishes, and of course, sculpting. All of which might lead some to erroneously pigeonhole him as a one-dimensional person. Although art has always played a major role in Ed’s life, it’s by no means his only role. He reached the Boy Scouts of America’s pinnacle rank of Eagle Scout; served in the U.S. Army’s Infantry, signed with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams as a free agent and spent fourteen years acting in small parts for movies and TV commercials in Hollywood. Ed traveled Europe where he studied the work of arts masters; married the woman of his dreams; and became the proud father of four children (Troy, Vanessa, Kelly and Gavin).

Still greeting folks the old-fashioned way with a firm handshake and a few kind words, Ed’s attention to detail is as obvious in his conversation as it is in his sculpture. After making the family move from Southern California to the wine country town of Healdsburg in 1993, Ed opened his studio, soaking up the aura of Wine Country and the heritage of the fertile valleys surrounding Healdsburg. Ed finds artistic inspiration closer to home, crediting his wife as the main catalyst behind his art, especially, The Wine Series: The Grape Crusher, The Grape Picker and The Grape Grower along with three new pieces depicting the wine industry, all offered in sizes ranging from 18′ to 12′ tall. The wine series sculptures are collected all over the United States. Ed Voelkel talks like a man playing the roles he enjoys the most: husband, father, and artist. As he puts it, “aside from my family, I really have enjoyed coaching the shot putters on the Healdsburg High School track team for the last six years as well as being an Asst. Scoutmaster in my son’s Boy Scout troop for six years. Creating sculpture is my main interest—that’s what I have studied and I believe that’s what I was meant to do in life.”

Sonoma and Napa County’s, Wine Pioneers in Bronze permanently captures those who have left their mark on the wine industry, honored in life-size bronze busts. These will soon be displayed for locals and tourists to see and enjoy, thus creating a wine industry must-see destination in both counties. Currently there are twelve portraits, including some of the biggest names in the industry.

Voelkel Designs Studio is located at 526 Johnson Street, in
Healdsburg, California 95448. 707.433.0215 Open Daily 8am–5 pm
For more information please visit www.winesculpture.com.