Artist Statement

Michael Ratterman

Michael was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1973 and received a B.A. in Studio Art from Bellarmine College in 1996.  His body of work includes sculptural installations, public exhibitions, and many private and public commissions. As an advocate for our vibrant, local arts community; Michael acts as a steward and supports public art initiatives, assists in curating local galleries, mentors upcoming artists and collaborates with many local and regional artists.

He has a 25-year foundation in classic sculptural methods and materials and has trained and studied under a heritage of sculptors and carvers ensuring the craft and art of carving endures.  His most recent work springs from an exploration of material transformation through form, texture, and the play on translucence and opacity of stain and color.

“This new series of sculptural wood carvings references the Buddhist term “Inter-Be” as it relates wholeness, emptiness, and interdependence. These pieces were created out of a need for me to connect and contemplate thoughts of oneness, and continuance. This work was an opportunity to deeply dive into ideas of transformation; transformation of material, energy and the connectedness of that relationship.”