Artist Ellen Cornett eulogizes the recently deceased Wally Szyndler, a well-known and respected sculptor in the DC art community, on East City Art. Here is an excerpt:

“City Gallery regrets to announce the passing of gourd sculptor, Wally Szyndler. He was an inaugural member of the Gallery and one of our most popular and accomplished members. We are heartbroken and will miss him terribly.

Wally began creating and showing gourd sculptures after his retirement as Director of Research and Demonstration from Melwood. His masks and containers were very well-received and he exhibited widely in juried and invitational shows, winning numerous awards for the work.

His work is exquisitely crafted pieces with perfect little joints, precisely fitted inlays, and exact stitching. Each piece is remarkable in its execution. And humor. Read the titles of Wally’s work, such as “Fantasy Diva” to the left, and gain insight into the man’s sense of play and wicked wit.

Wally approached this work with sympathy for the cultural traditions out of which it grew and deep respect for both the cultures and for his materials.”

Click here to read the complete post. Visit Szyndler’s site here to learn more about him.

Image in the post is of a Szyndler sculpture, from the East City Art post.