Denisa Prochazka’s sculpture is influenced by her love of the Italian Renaissance combined with the influence of spirituality, and symbolism of Native, Aboriginal and ancient art. Visit her website to see more.
Artist Denisa Prochazka with her mother, Ludmila Prochazka, at her mother’s sculpture exhibition.
I began my artistic journey at a very young age. I grew up in my mother’s ceramic studio where my fascination with clay began to take shape.
“Embrace of Indigenous Wisdom” Cast stone (Aqua-resin, Hydro-stone) and Aluminum, 58” x 58” x 7”
I was born in the Czech Republic. My family wished to flee the torment of the Communist regime to find a better life abroad. At the age of thirteen, we escaped the country and settled in Canada. Not knowing the new language or culture, creating art became a sense of comfort and the centre of my focus and daily practice.
“Embrace of Indigenous Wisdom” Detail
After attending an art school, I knew my life dream was to become a professional artist. For post-graduate studies, I was chosen to study Renaissance Art and sculpture in Florence, Italy, where I fell in love with the Italian masters Michelangelo and Bernini.
“Endless Love” Cast stone (Aqua-resin, Hydro-stone) and Aluminum, 48” x 48” x 6”
I felt a deep connection to classical sculpture and was greatly inspired by its mastership. Upon returning to Canada, I became strongly aware and very inspired by Native spirituality and Aboriginal art, both ancient and contemporary, which is endowed with creativity, imagination, symbolism and spirituality.
“Endless Love” Detail
My inspiration led me to continue to combine classical as well as contemporary elements in my work. When a vision comes to me, I begin recreating it in clay, then casting the large reliefs into a more permanent form using a variety of media such as Hydro stone, Aqua-Resin, bronze and metal.
“Gabriela’s Roots” Mold-making process of clay relief
As I continued creating my artwork, I became increasingly aware of my feminine perspective and reflection of the life around me. This started to strongly resonate in my work.
“Gabriela’s Roots” Cast stone (Aqua-resin, Hydro-stone) and Aluminum, 40” x 40” x 6”
The need for creation became reinforced with the birth of my own child and the desire to heal, protect and empower. I also felt the need to portray feelings, needs and a visual conversation within the sublime.
The artist Denisa Prochazka sculpting a commission work in her studio.
I love using symbols in my work as it transcends the physical into the spiritual realm.
The artist Denisa Prochazka sculpting a portrait.
My goal is to bring my art forward to public spaces so that passersby can find peace, beauty and healing connection for a moment in time in their life’s journey.
Denise is very talented. I love her work! It is captivating and classically beautiful with a spiritual undertone.
Wow! I was very moved! Denise uses a classical sensitivity mixed to perfection! Her visionary pieces are eternal! Truly inspiring to me.
Totally Stunning! Very Impressive Work!
Hey Danisa—–your work is very strong!!! I am included in an online show with you ( art Manhattan international). I live in Medicine Hat, AB and taught at Medicine Hat college for many years. I move back and forth between abstraction and representation , finding each direction energizes the other. Keep up the fine work!! All the best—–Poul