local artist
Eric Strauss: A Man of Steel Forging the Future
by Jill Cohen & Sarah Langer

Armed with an imaginative spirit, Eric Strauss introduces the world to the possibilities of scrap metal. Today, Strauss's cutting edge steel sculptures are displayed in various art galleries across the country.
Strauss's success as an artist derives from his passion for sculpture. This was highlighted at the tremendously successful exhibition at The Lowe Gallery, which currently represents his work. Focusing on a metal medium, Strauss conveys his connection to the evolving natural world around him. Strauss expresses the beauty of nature, day and night, by creating representations of revolving celestial bodies and animated living creatures.
"I love being an artist and having the freedom to express myself through the materials available to me. I love having the mix of excitement and anxiety coexisting as life brings new adventures everyday," says Strauss about his feelings toward his artistry.
Raised in Atlanta, Strauss's grandfather introduced him at an early age to the world of fine arts. Yet his true calling came while attending Georgia Southern University. Entering college with aspirations for a business degree, Strauss found himself sidetracked by the nearby sculpture studio. His involvement in the Fine Arts Department changed his life forever. From the adrenaline racing moment that he entered the sculpture studio to the moment he won the Achievement Award in 3-D in Cortona, Italy, where he studied marble carving, bronze casting and art history through the University of Georgia, Strauss knew he had found his inspiration. He graduated with a degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture and Ceramics.
After years of study, Strauss returned to Atlanta to begin an apprenticeship with well-known contemporary artist Caroline Montague. This opportunity allowed Strauss to finely tune his metal working skills. Over the years, he has been asked to participate in several group exhibitions including the "Best of Atlanta" series that was held in the Murray Mill Art Studios in 1986, 1987 and 1988. His highly acclaimed metal pieces have also been displayed at benefit exhibitions such as the "Touchables series held for the visually impaired and a benefit for Scottish Rite Hospital.
By 1990, Strauss has gained a great deal of recognition in the Atlanta area. Contemporary art lovers refer to Strauss as the man of steel. In recent years, art aficionados including Sir EIton John, Peter Sherlock of France, Nigel Thoman of the West Indies, and many local Atlanta celebrities have praised his collection. His inspiration has flourished with the success of his shows and he continued with solo exhibitions. The mass appeal of his nature-based pieces, combined with exhibitions in New Mexico and Washington, expanded his fan base nationwide.
Strauss has created several thematic installations that grace the halls of the Congregation B'nai Torah and the William Breman Jewish Home. His works for the Jewish community include wall sculptures of the romantic Jerusalem skyline and elegant depictions of several cultural icons.
Eric Strauss is as devoted to his art as he is to his family. With his son, daughter and wife by his side, he works amidst the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountain Range in his studio in Ellijay, Georgia.
Strauss's unique steel sculptures will return to The Lowe Gallery with an exhibition opening Friday, May 10th with an artist's reception from 6-9pm. The show will run though May 31st.

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Raised in Atlanta, Strauss's grandfather introduced him at an
early age to the world of fine arts. Yet his true calling came
while attending Georgia Southern University. Entering college with aspirations for a business degree, Strauss found himself sidetracked by the nearby sculpture studio.

16 Piedmont Review May 2002