Gordon Chandler Sculpture

Georgia-based sculptor Gordon Chandler recently moved into an 8,000-square-foot studio. With his new abundance of space, he's working on larger projects, specifically outdoor versions of the metal kimonos he's known for. Examples of his indoor sculpture are on view in Refined ReUse at Rymer Gallery through March 26.

Chandler says even those works could be kept outside, though they would be susceptible to the effects of moisture and sunlight.

"Those barrels would go throw a rapid change, rusting and fading," he says. "Not to say that would be bad."

Universal material

An old 55-gallon steel drum left exposed to the elements first inspired Chandler to create his kimonos. The barrel was bent in a way that reminded him of a sleeve, and that led to his samurai-size wall sculptures. Some of these, made from barrels that have been unrolled and flattened out, have more streamlined silhouettes; others, with the curves of the barrels left intact, have bulkier, rounder outlines.

The colors are mostly as Chandler finds them, a surprising selection of hues including an orange-yellow one Chandler suspects might have contained orange juice.

IF YOU GO

What: Refined ReUse, sculpture by Gordon Chandler and Alabama Vernacular, photographs by Ted Whisenhunt
Where: The Rymer Gallery, 233 Fifth Ave. N.
When: through March 26
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
Admission: free
Contact: 752-6030 or www.therymergallery.com

Just as varied as the colors are the original uses of the barrels. For Chandler, this is as fascinating as the potential he sees in them. He considers the barrels as universal materials, used to transport many different commodities - from petrochemicals to lemon juice to grain - to every corner of the world.

"They are really about commerce and exchange of materials," he says.

In their afterlife, they are an equally rich medium for Chandler's kimonos, suits and, as shown in this collection, a Red Leisure Suite #2198 or pair of red long johns.

Each Chandler garment bears a metal label with a stylized G and an item number, playing off the tags found in clothing.

Animals + culture

Chandler has been making deer sculptures almost as long as he's been making kimonos. Those in Refined ReUse include a standing deer and Reclining Buck, a deer kneeling regally with one front leg extended, made entirely of reclaimed John Deere parts, weathered, but still in the company's signature green.

The deer sculptures start with Chandler welding a frame together and then building up the rest of the form by cutting, shaping and adding pieces of metal in various colors.

Some of these are wrapped in barbed wire, which adds depth, contrasting texture and a spherical shape. There's a philosophical element, too.

Chandler likes what the barbed wire says about the usual don't-touch aspect of viewing art, though that wasn't his original intention.

"Barbed wire is about fencing, territory," he says. Added to his deer sculpture, it also speaks of the relationship between wild animals, farmlands and boundaries.