DENIS KLEINE

Biography

Kleine is a professional sculptor residing in Nelson BC Canada. He works predominantly in stone and bronze. He also sculpts in sand, snow and ice, participating in projects and competitions around the world.
He is a BFA graduate of David Thompson University Centre and is an instructor at Kootenay Studio of the Arts at Selkirk College in Nelson.
Kleine has exhibited extensively in British Columbia, throughout Canada and the US. He was elected into the Sculptors Society of Canada in 1989.

Artist Statement

I enjoy transforming the hard and cold properties of stone and bronze to expose a sense of warmth and calm.
The quality, properties, and shape of each uncarved block I find are important to my approach. Working in a primary stylized format, I feel I can stay true to the original block and best reveal my vision. The repetition of strong lines and surface planes enhance the beauty of the stone which brings the piece to life.
The modeling technique in the bronze process allows more freedom in conception of a subject while still maintaining the stylized format of the stone pieces. I place a lot of importance on the patinas, which I feel further enhances the transformation of the stone-like quality to my bronze works.
Stone and bronze create both a physical and mental challenge. I find peace in the process and look forward to their challenges every day.