David Knopp
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Sculpture
Explore the artistic vision and craftsmanship of David Knopp
About the Artist
The Towson resident has lived in Baltimore, Maryland and Baltimore County for his entire
life, and he attended both Essex Community College and Towson University. He is self trained as
a sculptor. He has exhibited work in juried art exhibitions and juried craft exhibitions, most
recently as a finalist in “The Niche Awards 2011” and “2012.” David recieved an Honorable
Mention in Craftforms 2012. His work has been shown at the Greater Reston Arts Center, the
Corcoran Gallery 31, Towson University and Black Rock Center for the Arts. Recently he was
awarded one of the Mary Sawyer Baker Artist Awards, which included the opportunity to exhibit a
selection of his sculptures at the Baltimore Museum of Art in September, 2012. In the same year he
was selected as a recipient of the Maryland State Art Council’s Individual Artist Award.
As a 2013 semi-finalist for the Sondheim Prize, he will be exhibiting two sculptures at
The Maryland Institute College of Art, during Artscape in Baltimore.
Artist Statement
David Knopp has explored the aesthetic qualities of line for many years, first with life drawings, then with sculpture. A single line can express gesture and movement, direction and depth on a flat surface. Knopp made his first sculptures with plywood and was surprised to discover the linear strata inherent in the medium. Carving laminated blocks of the wood, Knopp creates flowing, liquid lines that engage the senses as the eye travels over the complicated contours of his objects.
The artist prefers an intuitive process, viewing the collaboration between ideas and materials central to his creative output. His creations start with a vision and a rough sketch. There are no defined templates or 3D models or software used. His pieces are functional, but he tends to focus on the aesthetic qualities rather than design principles. Every finished piece is a one of a kind. The constant changes that occur as he works keep the work alive as it morphs into his interpretation. The process is paramount.
The Towson resident has lived in Baltimore, Maryland and Baltimore County for his entire life, and he attended both Essex Community College and Towson University. Recently he was awarded one of the Mary Sawyer Baker Artist Awards, which included the opportunity to exhibit a selection of his sculptures at the Baltimore Museum of Art in September, 2012. In the same year he was selected as a recipient of the Maryland State Art Council’s Individual Artist Award.