Ira Sherman's work transcends scale 
when he designs intricate precious 
jewelry as components in his public 
sculpture, mechanized life-size 
prosthetic devices and liturgical art 
commissions. Sherman's 45 min. slide 
presentation will show examples of these
four very different metal working 
disciplines yet define the design 
techniques that become the common 
denominator in all his remarkable work. 

IRA SHERMAN Sculptor, Designer   

Ira Sherman has been exploring the 
boundaries of metal fabrication and 
design since the early 1970s, both as a 
highly successful custom goldsmith and 
jeweler, and as an internationally 
recognized sculptor. His sculptural work 
uses materials and shapes from science 
and technology, yet "bio-engineered" to 
interact with the audience or viewer in a
uniquely human way. Many of Sherman's pieces are, in fact, "prostheses" created 
around a humorous social concept. These are worn on the body, and may be 
shockingly intimate. Many of Sherman's sculptures have sensors that let them 
interact with the participant or the audience. Parts of his current traveling 
exhibitions, "Panaceas to Persistent Problems" and "Impenetrable Devices" have 
been displayed in exhibitions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Israel and Japan; the 
Spertus Museum ,  the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of 
American Art and  the National Ornamental Metal Museum have recently acquired 
Sherman's art work for their permanent collection. 

Recognizing the fascination his complex creations hold for the mechanically 
minded, the computer-driven, sci-fi buffs, and sculpture-lovers of the far out, 
Wired magazine included a feature on Sherman in the March 1995 issue, labeling 
his sculptures as "appliance technology." Techno art curator Laura McGough 
defines Sherman's sculpture as a "Performing Prosthetic Aesthetic.....a cyborg 
body performance." Popular Mechanics Magazine call Sherman's art the, "Ultimate
Interactive Sculpture." Sherman is a founding Chairperson of the Colorado 
Metalsmithing Association, and is a 20 year member of Society of North American
Goldsmiths. He has helped developed programs for non-profit art organizations 
as well as religious, educational and community organizations.
        - Charlie Lewis