Sonoma Sculptor’s Work Featured at Geography of Hope Event

The work of Martin Munson, a Sonoma sculptor, is featured in "The Geography of Hope," a popular literary and art event slated to open this weekend in Pt. Reyes Station.

Geography of Hope began in 2008, taking its name from writer Wallace Stegner’s famous “Wilderness Letter,” in which he described wild landscapes as part of our “geography of hope.” The conference explores the relationship between people and the landscape through the voices of authors, environmentalists, farmers, artists, and filmmakers. 

"Reflections on Water" is this year's theme, inspired by West Marin's numerous beautiful bodies of water. Artists have incorporated mirrors, religious icons, bicycle rims, native plantings and more into their works to reflect or comment on water and its relationship to the land and its people.

Munson’s work, Rain Maker, is a whimsical figure constructed out of found and fabricated metal objects.  Munson says he's always been fascinated with the nature of materials and how they behave, particularly under stress. When he was in art school, Munson worked summers doing demolition to pay for his education. He says he loved the torn and exposed characteristics of the materials being excavated or demolished, and likes to create contrast in his sculptures by juxtaposing elements -- organic reclaimed materials and technically processed or fabricated materials. 

His work, especially his kinetic sculptures, he says address "man’s technological prowess versus Mother Nature," inviting the viewer to consider man’s place and role in nature.

“Most of the materials that I use are recycled or secondhand.  I am constantly responding to both my environment as a resource and to the collective effect of my life’s experience.”

Munson attended the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, got his B.A. in sculpture from Sonoma State University and went on the complete an M.F.A. at Southern Illinois University.

You can see Munson’s Rain Maker sculpture along with other featured art from now until May 31st in Pt. Reyes Station.  There’s also a slideshow and descriptions of the outdoor artwork at http://www.ptreyesbooks.com/goh/art.

The Geography of Hope Literary Conference (May 18-20) is co-chaired by award-winning poet Brenda Hillman and former United States Poet Laureate Robert Hass. It showcases the work of established and emerging writers who have used water as inspiration in their work as well.

The 2011 Geography of Hope Conference and art exhibitions are co-sponsored by Point Reyes Books and the Tomales Bay Library Association. A free program which includes a schedule of conference activities and a map showing the location of the art installations and exhibits can be picked up at Point Reyes Books. Additional information and tickets at the bookstore and at http://www.ptreyesbooks.com/goh.