Gerry Ruecker

SKNAC bio: Gerry Ruecker was born in 1952 in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, east of Regina. He is a self-taught artist and art educator specializing in the creation of ornate sculptural assemblages using found objects and cast-off materials, such as old furniture and frames, tarnished scraps of metal, old toys and kitsch. Throughout his career, Ruecker's work has explored materiality, permanence and impermanence, and the transitory nature shared by all things and beings. Early work included functional and non-functional pieces fusing copper pipe and brass fixtures along with assorted items. Later work has incorporated more items associated with personal spaces, including locks, mirrors and picture frames. "I have always been drawn to the intrinsic beauty of aged and time-worn objects," Ruecker has said, "The fact that these items have previously experienced a full and complete history with an entirely different purpose, whether perceived or imagined, passionately appeals to me." Major influences include the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the Italian design group Memphis, and the Japanese philosophy of imperfection and impermanence known as Wabi-Sabi. Ruecker's work has been exhibited widely across Western Canada and beyond, including solo shows with Manitoba Arts Council (one-year touring exhibition), Mata Gallery (Regina), Station Arts Centre (Rosthern SK), Shurniak Art Gallery (Assiniboia SK), and the Humboldt Museum and Art Gallery. And the work can be found in many important collections including Saskatchewan Arts Board and the City of Regina. Gerry Ruecker currently lives and works in Regina, Saskatchewan.