Best Sculpture: 2010 Circle of Distinction Design Challenge

KERR CONCRETE DESIGNS AND JOANNA KRAMER LANDSCAPE

Project Location: Chicago, IL
Total Retail Price: $1,200
Weight: 300 lbs (total of three slabs)
Concrete Mix: CHENG Pro-Formula in Stone
Other Materials: Inlaid wood-fired ceramic pieces
Turnaround time: 2 weeks

CONCRETE COLLABORATION

Concrete and ceramics come together to form an organic yet sleek result in this unique art piece. Now hanging in a home in Chicago, it was crafted in Evanston, IL by Andrew Kerr of Kerr Concrete Designs and Joanna Kramer, a ceramic artist. Kerr employed concrete for this sculpture because of its capability to produce “larger, more powerful pieces.”

Project Objective + Client Feedback
According to Kerr, who has worked with decorative concrete for 4 years, the goal for this sculpture was “to combine concrete and ceramic in a way that was beautiful and modern, but simple and clean.”

The Kerr-Kramer team’s juxtaposition of concrete and ceramic sculpture, entitled Landscape, reached at least one client at an emotional level—a true mark of fine art. The piece was sold on the opening night of a show at a Chicago art gallery.

Design + Expertise
The ceramic pieces were hand-cut, then kiln-fired over a period of four days on a farm in Galena, IL. This organic process fits well with the artists’ inspiration for the sculpture, which was the natural surroundings and flat, agrarian landscape of Illinois.

Kerr and Kramer wanted to challenge the possibilities of ceramic art by incorporating concrete, which is, in Kerr’s words, “a medium that can do things clay cannot.” The process of putting together such a powerful piece came with its own challenges. Mounting the slabs, for example, proved to be difficult due to their size and weight. Another difficulty was polishing down the surface of the piece without damaging the glaze of the ceramic inlays. However, these setbacks did not diminish the visual and emotional effect of the finished product – the variegated, rough-hewn quality of the ceramic, earthen pieces combine with the solidarity of the concrete in a way that provides contrast to the sculpture’s contemporary pattern and rhythm.

BEST SCULPTURE: Kerr Concrete Designs and Joanna Kramer

CHENG Concrete’s 6th Annual Members’ Circle of Distinction Design Challenge

Recognized in the industry as the pinnacle of exceptional design and craftsmanship, the 2010 CHENG Concrete Circle of Distinction Design Challenge showcases talent and technical skill of the very best in creative concrete. With over 100 entries, each were judged and then awarded in 11 categories on elements and principles of design, design planning, innovative concept/creativity, use of color, presentation, innovative forming techniques, problem solving, and creatively meeting the demands of the client.

Kerr Concrete Design and Joanna Kramer’s Landscape was awarded Best Sculpture for this year’s design challenge. According to Fu-Tung Cheng, head juror, “It’s definitely a piece of fine art. We loved the look of it and the mystery of the insets… it gave us this emotional response. I can only imagine what it would be like to experience in person.”

ABOUT KERR CONCRETE DESIGNS

Kerr Concrete Designs is a small, Evanston, IL-based company specializing in custom concrete kitchen countertops. They strive to create products in harmony with their clients’ personal aesthetics. Working “greenly” is also very important to them – they use non-toxic materials and sealants, and often reuse construction materials.

CONTACT
Kerr Concrete Designs
Andrew Kerr
729 Emerson St
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847.644.6131
www.kerrconcrete.com
www.joannakramer.com