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Leo Sewell’s "Found Objects" Exhibiting at EPA

Release Date: 1/5/2004
Contact Information: Nancy Grundahl, 215-814-2729

Nancy Grundahl, 215-814-2729

PHILADELPHIA – Famed Philadelphia artist Leo Sewell will exhibit sculptures made from “found objects” at the Public Information Center of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mid-Atlantic office, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia. The exhibit, which will run from January 6 through February 27, 2004, will help promote the re-use of discarded materials.

Sewell grew up near a dump, and developed his art by taking common objects that others had thrown away and bolting or welding them together to create works of art such as a full-sized horse and a replica of the Liberty Bell. He chooses plastic, metal and wood objects for their color, shape, texture, durability, patina, and sometimes for their relationship to the sculpture being created. Sculptures range in size from house pets to dinosaurs.

Sewell seeks to let the viewer enjoy the sculpture as a whole, while at the same time recognizing each object used to create it.

“The worst thing the eye can see is plainness, so I fill my works with as much varied matter as I can for the eye to feast on,” Sewell explains.

The artist has made more than 3,000 sculptures, including a life-sized Rocky and a Rambo for Sylvester Stallone. His pieces have appeared on television shows like “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” and “Captain Noah,” and have been showcased in periodicals such as “Forbes,” “Metropolitan Home,” “Philadelphia Magazine,” and “Biocycle.”

In addition to a full-sized horse sculpture and his Liberty Bell, which recently was displayed at the National Constitution Center, the exhibit at EPA’s Public Information Center will feature an over-sized duck, a cat, a pig, several dogs, a clock, and a “Pencilvania” mirror. The exhibit will delight audiences of all ages.

Sewell’s work may be seen on his web site at: http://www.users.voicenet.com/~sewell/ .

EPA’s Public Information Center is located on the first floor of 1650 Arch Street in Philadelphia. Entry is on the17th Street side of the building. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

All visitors are required to pass through security, including a metal detector. Visitors 16 years of age and older must show photo identification.

For additional information on this exhibit, call EPA’s Public Information Center at 215-814-5121. Special arrangements can be made for school groups.

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