FACULTY PROFILE:
DUANE MICKELSON
  

"My current work has been influenced by recent travels to Norway and Iceland, and the Nordic mythology associated with them. One of the major subjects has been the trickster, Loki, which has the ability to physically transform itself into a variety of animalistic and human forms of both genders. The multiplicity of identities the form can take is intriguing and supplies me with a wealth of ideas, both formally and metaphorically, in the process of creating sculpture. My constructed work encompasses a range of materials and media such as found wood and other objects, welded metal, latex, leather, and video projection. Recent work has expanded into installations within specific spaces. My work in lost-wax bronze casting begins with models made of found objects and clay. Molds are made and a wax pattern is created. This pattern is subsequently encased in an investment mold. After time in a burnout kiln, the wax is melted out of the mold and is replaced with molten bronze. All of these materials, techniques, and processes exemplify my desire for tactile experiences, and serve as a means for self expression within the medium of sculpture."

DUANE MICKELSON received his B.A. in Art Education from Concordia College in 1974, and his M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks in 1982, and has been a member of Concordia's Art faculty since 1982.  He is a member of the International Sculpture Center in Hamilton, NJ, and the Society of Minnesota Sculptors. Mickelson's works are held in permanent and private collections in Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, New York, and California, and he has been commissioned for relief sculptures at Emmanuel Nursing Home Chapel in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Moorhead.  Mickelson's Solo exhibitions include three at the Rourke Art Museum in Moorhead and one at the Hughes Fine Arts Center at the University of North Dakota.  Mickelson's sculpture has been exhibited in shows throughout the United States. Recent sculpture awards include first-place awards in juried shows at the Minnetonka Arts Center and University of Minnesota Arboretum; and a second-place award at the Bloomington Art Center, all sponsored by the Society of Minnesota Sculptors.

Duane Mickelson was presented the Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award at the annual Fall Faculty and Administration Banquet on August 24, 2006. The commendation noted that, "Mickelson, associate professor in the art department, has been a member of the Concordia faculty since 1982. His teaching style encourages, inspires and supports his students whether they are art majors or those taking art as an elective. He impacts students in their development as artists and as people. A leader by example, Mickelson is an active sculptor whose creative work has been showcased at regional and national galleries, exhibits, conferences and workshops. His work is recognized with awards at juried events, and his commissions are on permanent display in galleries and churches throughout the region."

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Date of last update: 09/18/07.