Contact: Viktor@viktorschreckengost.org

Abstract

      "My work has been constantly involved in the struggle between fine arts and their development into some functional form of what we call the applied or commercial arts. It took many years for me to realize that they need not conflict, that a basic philosophy, conviction or understanding may be common to both." So reflected American artist and industrial designer Viktor Schreckengost during the later part of a career that spanned nearly three-quarters of the twentieth century. Viktor spoke with the voice of experience: he created a new original work of art on average every two weeks for over seventy years, and his industrial designs—and those of his students—have influenced the American economy to the tune of an estimated $200 billion.

      So how did he successfully marry the fine arts and their commercial applications? This presentation focuses on the artistic and practical considerations that underlie the many different designs of Viktor Schreckengost, whether the design is a child's pedal car, a printing press, a piece of dinnerware, a bicycle, a theatrical set, or a light fixture. Traits common to his designs will be explored: modern interpretations, child-like simplicity, a sculptor's understanding of volume, a painter's understanding of color, and a gentle optimist's sense of humor. His influence on the production or manufacturing process in several fields will also be considered, as his quest was not only to make well-designed products but to make them affordable. As this well-illustrated presentation will show, Viktor's work truly bears out his assertion that when it comes to art and design, "there can and must be a continuity, a basic concept in the artist's mind, which will show up in everything…he does."