Artwork copyright Mel Katz. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Pencil Cane, 1987

Mel Katz
American (born 1932)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Pencil Cane is part of artist Mel Katz's body of abstract laminate and vinyl constructions. These sculptures feature colorful surfaces in various patterns and shapes. His use of commercial materials suggests a playful exploration of kitsch and decoration. The form hints and a reference to the human figure and monumental geometry.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Portland, Oregon-based sculptor Mel Katz creates abstract sculptures comprised of geometric and organic shapes. His forms are combined to create visual ambiguities that play with dimension and scale. One of the founders of the Portland Center for Visual Arts and professor at Portland State University for over thirty years, Katz is a influential figure in the Pacific Northwest arts community.