Dancing with Mother Nature
Cedar driftwood
Venue: Gerald R. Ford Museum
Artist: Paul Baliker
Age: 59
Home City: Palm Coast, Florida
What was your inspiration for the piece?
“This is how I would like to see us [human beings] interact with nature.” Baliker created works for the two previous ArtPrize competitions, finishing in the Top 10 both years. As his other pieces, “Matter of Time” and “Ocean Exodus,” are also nature themed, he feels it is his ‘signature’ in a way.”
How long did it take to create your entry?
“About seven months.”
What was the hardest part about creating your entry?
“Human anatomy. Creating the people.”
How are people reacting to your entry?
“Very positively. Made it into the top ten so I’d say it’s going over fairly well.”
What would you do with the money if you won?
“Put it towards another big piece. The money would allow Baliker to take the time to create another “giant environmental statement.”
By Caleb J. Day
