Member Since December 14th, 2009
The Making of a Sculptor
Born in 1949 in Los Angeles, Jeff Tritel did not embark upon his lifelong passion - sculpting - until the age of eighteen.
At the time he was enrolled in college, majoring in mathematics. His artist roommate was involved in the process of copying a masterpiece as an assignment. Jeff's argument began with "Can't you do something original?"
As the argument heated up, the roommate finally stated, "If you think it is so easy, let's see you try it!" Jeff immediately went to the art supply store, bought a large quantity of clay and began work on a self-portrait.
He was hooked, changing his major to art and graduating in 1976 from the University of California with a BA in fine art and a BFA in sculpture.
Over the years, Tritel has challenged himself with most mediums. He has sculpted in wax as a first step to the lost-wax method of bronze casting and he has fabricated monumental mixed media pieces incorporating the contrasts of furs and fiberglass, bronze screening and pearlescent lacquers.
His work mainly reflects a figurative medium and he often draws from fantasy, mythology and psychology for his subject matter.
Tritel has received numerous awards as well as extensive media coverage. His painstaking precision and thought which he dedicates to each piece has earned him recognition from the California Art Review, Encyclopedia of Living Artists, and Artist's Market.
His work has been featured on PBS TV and in gallery and museum shows around the country. His sculpture is collected by such prominent collectors as Justice Miriam Shearing, Sir Robert Horton, and Dr. William Glasser. A monumental “Hot Jazz” by Jeff Tritel graces the lobby of the Wells Fargo Bank building in Salt Lake City.
His expertise is so noted that he has been called as an expert witness on creativity in several legal suits.
But winning awards has never been as important to Tritel as creating sculpture that touches his audience. "I sculpt my feelings and experiences. I sculpt the human condition," he says.
"Even though we are all unique individuals, I find there are many common threads that connect us. I find that many people are able to relate very strongly to these sculptural expressions."
"Often I start with an intellectual premise. Then by incorporating personal sculptural symbolism, I will reach the essence of the subject." Tritel adds, "Rather than sculpting the musician, I sculpt the music. Instead of the unicorn, I sculpt the magic."
For more information on Mr. Tritel,
his current sculpture, commissioning sculpture or visiting his Northern California studio, gallery and sculpture garden, please contact Bonnie Tritel at 800.882.8098, email at tritel@tritelstudios.com or visit
www.jefftritelsculpture.com.