Lawrence-based artist John Gaunt has held a life-long interest in drawing, but over the last few years he has developed a body of philosophical and anthropomorphic sculptural work in his home studio. Gaunt animates found metal objects by energizing obsolete machine parts that would otherwise be consigned to the scrap heap.
Gaunt served as Dean of the School of Architecture, Design & Planning at The University of Kansas for 21 years, stepping down in June. The influence of his career as an educator and an architect who practiced professionally for many years is evident in the clever construction and effective design of his work.
Gaunt writes, “My work is in the tradition of ‘Assemblage’ in which the combination and composition of seemingly disparate parts expresses a lyrical idea, symbol, or metaphor – giving new life to obsolete things…”
