Born in 1973 in Graz, Austria, Gerhard Petzl has dedicated more than thirty years to exploring the possibilities of art. His approach embraces an intuitive, spontaneous process that often rejects conventional preparation. Based between Vevey, Switzerland, and Kalsdorf/Graz, Austria, Petzl has experimented with various materials, from traditional mediums like bronze and wood to more unconventional ones like chocolate and recycled objects. His bronze sculpture “Kaleidoscope,” a 194 cm tall piece resembling a distant wheel, captures the complexity of human existence through intricate figures arranged like spokes. For Petzl, art serves as a personal journey of discovery and evolution, continually shaped by his experiences and evolving techniques. Without relying on sketches or predetermined plans, his creations emerge organically, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on their own perceptions and emotions.
Here is the artist’s interview.
What is your creative process like?
Intuitively and spontaneous. Depending on the medium (bronze, resin, chocolate, mixed media) I have different approaches but mostly the image of an artwork is created imaginary in my mind and I do not create sketches or anything like that, which they always requested in art school. I created the artwork first and did sketches afterwards only to please teachers.
Do any personal experiences shape your work?
The learning process of doing art is my best teacher and shapes my artworks over years significantly in terms of techniques. The kind of artworks I am creating nowadays are in a way I would have never thought about it before, but it just evolved naturally.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
Lack of space: Over the years I have collected and produced hundreds of artworks and I guess it is time to look for a warehouse and my own gallery space to store and present the artworks in a proper setting.
What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
The should be surprised, they should smile, they should learn and see something new, something unexpected, something funny, the should also dislike some of them because with all the released emotions by looking at an artwork you find out more about what you like or dislike. That translates to a simple message: I am helping you to find yourself!
Gerhard Petzl’s art challenges viewers to explore their own emotional landscapes. Whether evoking delight or discomfort, his work offers a fresh perspective on human connection and creativity. For Petzl, art is about sparking curiosity and encouraging self-discovery through both the expected and the unexpected.
