Joe Bologna

Sculptor Joe Bologna is exhibiting for the first time in Cloverdale, at this year’s 7th Cloverdale Annual Sculpture Exhibit, where “Harleyzuki Motomana” holds court and provides a whimsical welcome to exhibit attendees.

“Harleyzuki Motomana” is a human-scaled sculpture comprised of recycled scrap steel parts for a Harley-Davidson and a Suzuki motorcycle. The dominant finish and materials are stainless steel and chromium plating. In this work, Bologna set out to dispel the aloofness often associated with motorcyclists, and the sometimes cold persona of steel and chrome. His success in this endeavor can be witnessed in the friendly, uncomplicated personality of this piece.

Bologna is no stranger to public art venues in the East Bay. His first public art, “Camel Filters”, appeared in 1990, recognizing the Walnut Creek City Council for pioneering smoke-free restaurants. Soon thereafter, his sculptural depiction of a flamboyant painter became the poster child for Walnut Creek’s art program.  Now you can find his sculptures integrated into buildings his architectural firm designs, or featured in local businesses, such as Café Pascal in Danville, the Walnut Creek Civic Arts Education Office, and the lobby of Joe’s own office in downtown Walnut Creek.

After sculpting in clay for 20 years, Bologna began welding steel in 1997, and his work has grown and size and popularity ever since. An old car frame, steel beam, boxcar springs and pipe column remnants recently became a garden arbor. “Recycled scrap materials call out to me for what they could be the next time around”, he stated. “Steel is one of my favorites for its strength, color, texture, and willingness to reincarnate”.

Photo by Tedd Peterson