Harold Balazs is one of the most prominent local artists in the region. Originally from Ohio, Balazs has lived in the Spokane area since graduating from Washington State College in 1951. His works range from delicate jewelry pieces to large-scale sculpture and are currently being exhibited at the Tinman Gallery (located in the Garland district) the whole month of October. The gallery’s mission is to “expand the visual arts community in Spokane” through supporting artists and exposing their work to the community. The current variety displayed makes a stimulating exhibit for the community as well as honoring and supporting the creativity of Balazs.
Enamel, glass, wood, paint, and metal are just a few of the mediums used to create the many expressions of art Balazs has on display. The front room is lined with abstract art works in bold colors done in enamel. In the center is a glass table displaying a variety of jewelry. In the corner is a wooden sculpture painted completely black. Though each of these mediums is very different, they all incorporate rounded abstract shapes that seem to organically fit and flow. Balazs’ pieces seem to come from a place of innate ability and defiance. Both his life and his works say “Transcend the bullshit” and do whatever it is that makes you come alive.
I think honoring Balazs by displaying the range of his works must be very encouraging to him as well as mind opening for the community. His endless hunger to master new techniques is inspiring in itself. His integration into the Spokane community is undeniable. I was an admirer before I even knew who he was. One fateful night during my freshmen year at Whitworth, I went transcending. The “club” (as Balazs called it) prohibits me from explaining what this actually is, but I can tell you Harold Balazs knows of us daring transcenders and is honored by it. Balazs’ work is a part of our every day life, whether we drive by it on division or walk by it at the park or even transcend it. I strongly encourage anyone in the area to visit and understand who the man is behind so much of the art we see around town.
2 comments:
I had no clue who Harold Balazs was until I read this. I've heard his name around, but have never put a name to a face. However, I have always known the term "Transcending the Bullshit" and what that certain "club" does downtown during the nights. With such a modern and youthful thing to do, I never would have thought that the man behind transcending would have been, well, of such great wisdom (not to be rude). I now have an even greater respect for Balazs after not only getting to know the man behind transcending, but also after getting a sense of the kid inside of him. He has provided a great tradition among the students of the spokane community.
I do wish to go see his other works, such as the ones mentioned involving jewelry, enamel, wood, and paint. It would be interesting to see if I could see the connection between them and his "Transcend the Bullshit" sculpture downtown. I wonder if they show some of the rebel inside of him as well?
First of all, Ryan, you need to take the term out of the post! It defeats the whole purpose of going transcending Freshman year if you don't take it out! And second of all, how have you not heard of Harold Balazs?? Scott Kolbo's class has gone to his house for the past two years as a field-trip, and although he's getting on in years now, seeing where he works and what he's doing is worth the trip. It's not too far from campus either!
When I went with his class last year, I got a kick out of his place. There were sculptures and scraps everywhere, and his whole property is pretty much a tribute to himself (in a non-narcissistic way). He is a very... opinionated individual, to answer your question.
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