Pueblo Spotlight: John Wilbar, artist at Sculpture @ 222

John Wilbar flunked out of art school and dropped out of architecture school at CU Boulder just shy of graduating. It doesn't make sense that he's a nationally-renowned artist that sells sculptural coffee tables for nearly $2,500 a piece, but he is, and he does. Born in Florence but initially drawn to Pueblo due to the low costs and sunny weather, Wilbar's studio is located in Mesa Junction, the heart of Pueblo and extremely close to the city's downtown art district.

John himself is partially responsible for Pueblo's vibrant art scene. As one of the founders of First Friday Art Walk, a gallery exhibition that takes place on the initial Friday of every month, he is also the "John" in John Deaux art gallery, along with his partner, fellow artist Radeaux. However, most of Wilbar's work is too large-scale to be displayed in a gallery setting; instead, his sculptures can be viewed outside of his home studio and in front of several of his patrons' homes and businesses.

To the untrained eye, John's work is reminiscent of the impossible triangle, or Penrose triangle, made popular by Escher. However, he is uninterested in emulating other artists and instead seeks to take elements that already exist and transform them into something new. The perfect repetitive shapes, bright colors, and continuous nature of his designs result in sculptures that are both eye-catching and satisfying.

Wilbar is a hardy, self-made artist who is proof that first impressions don't matter in the art world. As we chat in his clean but well-loved studio, John has a very simple piece of advice for artists who wish to be as successful as him someday: "Just keep doing it."

Wilbar's home and studio are located at 222 West Abriendo Avenue. Several sculptures are placed amongst his garden, which results in a very eye-catching and whimsical property. 

John's tidy studio is full of evidence of his artistic process. He begins by translating design ideas onto paper and calculating a scale, then creates a mockup, refines the logistics, and finally constructs the large-scale pieces.

Wilbar demonstrates a portion of his artistic process, which is influenced by his background in architecture. Each sculpture takes roughly three weeks to complete.

John, who became interested in art as a child after suffering from polio, creates large-scale plywood and masonite sculptures in bright colors. He owes his affinity for eye-popping hues to his mother, but can't choose a favorite: "They're all good," he mused.  

Wilbar is involved with the Children's Museum and has designed countless exhibits, furniture, and works of art for the building. Most recently, he was commissioned to recreate the likeness of the dragon from the movie Shrek.

To purchase John's work, call 719-542-1370 or visit Artful Home.