The "Product Of Imagination And Creativity" Story

Lancaster Train Station in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

It was an ordinary day.  Once again making a visit to the Lancaster Train Station to view an art display sponsored by Lancaster Public Art.  It was just shy of a year ago that a display of felt sculptures graced the several showcases that line the center of the waiting area in Lancaster's Train Station.  

Waiting area where the artwork is displayed

The artist's name who created the felt sculptures was Paolo Puck who was born in England, but currently lived in the United States.  The artist who currently has work on display at the Lancaster Train Station is Dmitrii Volkov.  He has several carbon steel sculptures on display in the showcases.  His work is very interesting so to learn more about him and his artwork, I Googled him.  The following is part of the website that I found telling about his art and his life.  

Dear Visitor,

My name is Dmitrii Volkov. I have been creating an Art objects since 1996. My workshop called Art Studio Dmitri Volkov. I design and create sculptures and jewelers made of steel, silver, copper, bronze, wood, and glass. I was born and educated in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. In 1993, I graduated from The Nicholas Roerich Art School in Art Design and Book Illustration. In 2000, I graduated from The Schtieglitz State Academy of Art and Industry in Metalworking and Jewelry.  

One of Mr. Volkov's work on display

In my work I focus on combinations of volumes, patterns, colors or all together. They should interact, agree or disagree with each other. Listening to this conversation and forming this relationship are the most exciting things in art. Volumes often interact within a piece of art through crossing facets or absence of facets, polished planes and projecting parts as well as escape to the deep dark cavities and hollows. At times an object can be seen as a human, partially imperfect but constantly striving for perfection. I always treat objects and parts of objects as humans or groups of humans being unique individuals. My favorite material is carbon steel. It proves amazingly deep in case of natural treatment, i.e. waxing, polishing, and patination. It is oxidation ability that makes carbon steel far richer than precious metal in terms of its expressive properties. Traditionally, it is considered to be a disadvantage, yet indeed is a benefit due to the fact that kind of makes up for what the painter did not paint thus making a piece of art beautiful and expressive.

Thank you for your interest!

Respectfully,

Dmitrii Volkov

More of Mr. Volkov's work on display.  Click to enlarge.

The sculptures were very interesting, but didn't seem to draw many viewers from the crowd gathered in the waiting area of the train station.  Lancaster Public Art, who sponsored the display, began their art displays in the train station a year ago.  They are working to position Lancaster, PA as a city distinguished by public artwork and engage the community in that artwork.  Mr. Volkov stated his views in a small card attached to his work that read:  In the hustle and bustle of modern living, it is easy to lose the thread that connects us to our dreams.  Art reminds us of a higher purpose, of making the most of our lives.  The city of Lancaster is doing just that with the many displays of artwork that can be viewed in this city that was one of the first inland cities in the United States.  it was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.