North Riverside Mall Theatre Welcomes Abstract Sculptor for May Art Display April 30, 2012

North Riverside, IL – The North Riverside Mall Theatre is excited to welcome abstract sculptor Kip Pasta for their month long May art display. A 20-year veteran as an artist, Pasta will be bringing four architectural woodworks to the theatre exhibit space, located in the lobby of the North Riverside Mall Theatre, at 7501 West Cermak Road.

When asked what inspires him to become an artist, Pasta explains, “Art is an obsession. Your creative drive won't let you think of anything else. Ideas are constantly being processed, and you need to find an outlet to visualize those ideas.” Pasta’s creative outlet is primarily creating abstract sculptures, and all of the pieces on display will be what Pasta calls, “construction sculptures.”

When Pasta has an idea for a new piece, he first envisions where the piece might be displayed. One example is “Cityscape,” which will be on display at the theatre throughout May. “I envisioned this piece in the entryway, concourse, or foyer of a municipal building. The large size of the work and the softness of the wood would produce an interesting relief from the hardness of marbled walls or the coldness of concrete,” describes Pasta. “Cityscape” won the Hard Rock Hotel Award at the Art Loop Open in 2010.

“I never make sketches prior to constructing these pieces,” he emphasizes. Pasta adds, “A sketch would limit the creative spontaneity.” The result is an organic, energetic piece of art. Each piece has an architectural lineage with definitive lines, angles, and space and can be viewed from any direction. Through this architectural vision, Pasta wants to avoid the concepts of what one may think of when the term “sculpture” is used.

Pasta is self-taught, and finds himself continuously learning more. The more work that he does, the more confident he becomes, and he feels that it is this confidence that leads to more risk taking and thus better creative end results. "It’s very rewarding when you are sure handed with your tools," Pasta says. "You know exactly what you want to accomplish." To learn more about Kip Pasta and his work, please visit www.outsidethegallery.com.

Each month, the North Riverside Mall Theatre provides lobby space to display the works of local artisans. Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a family-owned company operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theatres with 100 screens in 12 communities in the northern Illinois area. For more information on Classic Cinemas or the North Riverside Mall Theatre, please visit www.classiccinemas.com.