Interpreting the Natural: Contemporary Visions of Scholars' Rocks: Andy Moerlein

STATEMENT

Natural forces like geology and weather are deeply embedded in our daily chemistry and our living story. Moerlein’s art presents a personal reaction to the powerful interaction between psyche and phenomena. The goal is both sensual and conceptual. The art makes visible a personal narrative. Moerlein is a storyteller.

The work included in this show features sculptures informed by Moerlein’s enthusiasm for scholars’ rocks. This Chinese tradition of collecting scholars’ rocks involves the elegant presentation of precious and adored stones for contemplation and enjoyment. The story presented is ancient.

BIOGRAPHY

Andy Moerlein is an internationally exhibited sculptor. His work has been shown in museums, sculpture gardens, and galleries from Alaska to New York, Switzerland to Peru. Mr. Moerlein has an extensive resume of public art works and site-specific monumental outdoor sculptures. In 2011, he participated in the Verbier 3D Foundation's Artist Residency in the Swiss Alps. In 2012, he was the Artist in Residence at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts. In 2013, he worked in residence in Cusco Peru. In 2014, he carved granite at Contemporary Arts International’s Carving Symposium “Art Archeology”. He has awarded the Distinguished Chair 2015 at the Truro Center for the Arts at Castel Hill where an installation was commissioned for their garden. In 2016, his newest work was featured in a solo exhibition “Geology” at Boston Sculptors Gallery.

Mr. Moerlein has been an arts advocate, gallery director, educator, and professional juror for over 30 years. He has taught in college programs, presented workshops nationally and internationally, curated panel discussions and been a Visiting Artist and Guest Lecturer. He has been a teacher and gallery director at the Derryfield School in Manchester NH for 20 years and is currently teaching at Hampstead Academy. Moerlein holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MFA from Cornell University. He lives and works in Maynard MA and Boston MA.