About this Sculpture
- Artist: Gert Olsen
- Medium: Tennessee Cedar Marble
- Size: 40" x 11" x 67"
Check
About the Artist
Sculptor Gert Olsen was born in Denmark, later immigrating to Canada and eventually to the United States, where he became a citizen.
Olsen began his creative journey as a woodcarver, exploring various materials and carving methods. After many years of crafting cabinetry and wood sculptures, his work naturally evolved into stone carving, a practice he has pursued for over 25 years. Today, his sculptures can be seen in galleries and private collections around the world.
“I work with the natural texture and color of the stone to create representative sculpture of animals, human forms, and abstract shapes,” Olsen says.
His travels to Italy allowed him to hand-select Carrara marble, an iconic stone with a long legacy in sculpture. Though Carrara is a favorite, Olsen also works with other types of stone. He cuts and shapes with modern saws and cutters, then refines the forms using traditional carving equipment like chisels.
Location
102 Butler St., Saugatuck, MI 49453
Experience this Sculpture
Walk around the sculpture.
Check is roughly human-sized, inviting an up-close and personal experience.
Take a moment to observe the shapes. Where do the curves give way to angles? Olsen intentionally transitions form within the piece. Can you find the location where this transformation happens?
Stand in front of the sculpture.
Why do you think Gert named this piece Check?
There’s both a symbol and a word at play here. See if you can find the symbol. Then ask yourself—how might the concept of “check” relate to the shape, balance, or posture of the piece?
Step up closer.
Is this sculpture carved from a single block of marble?
Look closely at the base. Notice its roundness. How does Check appear to rest on the base?
