Archie Held is an internationally recognized artist who has been creating sculpture since the late 1970's. He studied at UCLA for both his graduate and undergraduate degrees. In 1985 he founded the Archie Held Studio. The Richmond, CA based studio has produced over 500 pieces of artwork and currently employs a team of 12 talented artists and metal fabricators. Mr. Held's sculptures are primarily constructed with bronze and stainless steel. Water is often used as a central element to further complement the simple and elegant designs. The appeal of his tranquil creations has led to several private as well as public art commissions. He enjoys working with clients on custom site-specific projects and welcomes collaborations with designers and architects.
Archie Held received the Jim Marcelius Memorial Scolarship award for sculpture in 1980 while working towards his masters degree in sculpture at UCLA . This would prove to be the first of many awards and commissions he would recieve during the ensuing seventeen years.... Working primarily in bronze and stainless steel, Archie Held creates site specific sculptures for commercial or residential commissions, and welcomes collaborations with architects and designers.
"...Painting and drawing became my passion when I was sidelined from sports injuries in high school. I was truly amazed that I was able to express myself in a whole new way. Making art was very empowering, but the result was rarely very powerful to me. I would create works born of strong heartfelt emotions. They appeared so bold and impressive on the white gallery walls. I would watch people viewing the works at my first shows. Some people would walk right up to them. Most walked by just glancing. Some... involved in a conversation, missed them completely..."
