The work of Stan Pekár has many facets, but from the words that could characterize its predominant part, which has been evolving in recent years, one word needs to be selected: humor both in expression and in the technique of execution. In creating his works, he utilized the shape and color of wood, as well as the bark of various...
The work of Stan Pekár has many facets, but from the words that could characterize its predominant part, which has been evolving in recent years, one word needs to be selected: humor both in expression and in the technique of execution. In creating his works, he utilized the shape and color of wood, as well as the bark of various types of trees, which serves as a supporting artistic element enhancing the overall expression of the sculpture. Creative wooden figurines of people and animals, made more with carpentry techniques than traditional carving techniques, are crafted using branches and twigs of various diameters and lengths, and various types of trees, creating diversity while maintaining similarities in execution techniques. The humorous titles that Stan Pekár invents for his works, such as “Brezác” or “Holokrkí”, also add to the whimsical nature of his creations. The figures of people in this group of sculptures may feature faces instead of spherical shapes, albeit simplified and highly stylized, complimented by various sized branches at different angles with characteristic little feet. These sculptures express human moods and characters, allowing observant viewers to discern them. Pekár’s bird sculptures, crafted by selecting, bending, and arranging branches and twigs into the desired shapes of the bodies and heads, are notable for their playful nature and humorous expressions, further enhanced by the possibility of rotating the legs and heads. The group of birds, meticulously hollowed and carved from branches, where the curvature of the branch also forms the wings, exhibits anthropomorphic characteristics with upright postures and almost human-like legs despite the avian heads. Stan Pekár’s creativity is evident in his older and newer creations, showcasing his ability to surprise with something new and interesting by interpreting the possibilities of utilizing the inherent properties, shapes, and structures of wood through artistic means. In 2010, he obtained a qualification certificate as a master of folk art production in the field of wooden production, for preserving and advancing carving and sculpting craftsmanship while respecting the natural growth of wood, awarded by the Commission for Assessing the Professional Competence of Folk Art Production Workers.