Majestic Valley Oak by Idelle Okman Tyzbir
steel on granite 24”x24”x24”

Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery

24251 Town Center Drive #10 (across from Sisley’s Restaurant)

 
Premiere Reception: July 11, 6-9pm

Wine Reception: August 1, 6-9pm

Exhibition: July 4 – August 31, 2014

About the Work (Statement by Artist Idelle Okman Tyzbir)

Majestic Valley Oak, Quercus lobata, is the largest North American oak and is considered to be the monarch by virtue of its size, age and beauty. Descriptions of its remarkable stature appear in the diaries of many early visitors to California. A member of the Beech family, it can reach heights of more than 100 feet with trunks measuring 6 or 7 feet in diameter. The largest on record is 151 feet tall. The magnificent tree is limited to California. Young trees can have a taproot that is up to 60 feet deep, allowing it to withstand drought. Quercus lobata can live up to 600 years. Valley Oaks are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.

I created Majestic Valley Oak as an homage to the beauty and grand stature of the Valley Oak. Santa Clarita has a extensive population of this tree. I began this sculpture by creating an armature, or framework, to give the tree a defined form. I then melted steel rods, and drip-by-drip, transformed steel into this beautiful oak tree using an oxyacetylene torch. I have always loved trees and was inspired by a very special Valley Oak in my neighborhood. I have been drawing and photographing this tree for years, finally making it into a sculpture.

Biography

I am an award-winning artist living in Santa Clarita. My work primarily involves mixed media metal sculptures with roots in Abstract Expressionism. I am strongly influenced by Kandinsky. Heated, twisted, welded metal, glass and textured acrylic paintings are found in my work. Often created in the presence of music, curving, flowing lines are an identifying mark of my work. Mixed media paintings are also a part of my arsenal. I have exhibited in many venues. My work has been shown at the Sylvia White Gallery, IMS Gallery, (featured artist), Uritz & Associates (two person show), College of the Canyons Gallery, (six person show curated by Larry Hurst), and La Galeria Gitana among others. I recently installed a large public art piece, Crossroads at Iron Horse Trailhead, on Magic Mountain Parkway. I have had television and radio interviews, appeared on magazine covers and participated in panel discussions. A Teaching Artist in a variety of venues, reaching children through adults, for over 17 years has been a life altering experience.