In Studio: Karl Geckler

With a foundation in architecture and a lifelong passion for creative work, Karl Geckler's practice has evolved into a dialogue between geometric precision and experimentation. What begins as an idea rooted in balance, symmetry, and dynamic tension often transforms throughout the process, as Geckler lets spontaneity guide the outcome of his sculptural work.

Grounded in observation yet open to experimentation, Geckler's work reflects a deep curiosity about the structures that compose the natural world. The result is a body of work that feels both intentional and exploratory, and that allows harmony and conflict to coexist.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a professional artist.

I’ve engaged with painting and drawing since I was a child; however, I expanded my artistic practice to include 3D sculptures while in school for architecture.

For many years, I worked as an architect, creating art in my personal time as an outlet for personal expression. It felt natural, but I didn’t think much about selling my art at first. In 2016, after 30 years in the architecture profession, I grew tired of the contracts, long office hours, and legal liability for the structures. I began marketing my art and considering what it would take to be a professional artist.

Tell us about your work. What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your art?

I strive to create art that is beautiful yet challenging. I am interested in themes of symmetry, balance, harmony, but also tension and conflict. I aim to capture these contrasting ideas simultaneously within a single piece.

My work isn’t intended to convey specific messages, but rather create space for viewers to derive meaning or find resonance on their own. I find that autonomous interpretation to be the beauty of abstract art.

Tell us about your process. Do you have any unique techniques or rituals that are integral to your work?

I have an endless fascination with geometry and how it appears in the natural world. In the past, I would imagine geometric shapes on platonic forms before I began carving. However, during the carving process, unexpected things would occur – I might discover new shapes, or the material itself would influence the outcome, shifting my original intention and creating something surprisingly different.

These days, I enjoy trying different processes and experimenting with randomness. I am learning that it is ok, if not essential, to create without a clear direction. Ultimately, making art is a form of play.

When you are looking for inspiration, what resources do you turn to?

I am drawn to organically occurring shapes in nature: galaxies, sunflowers, insects, the human body, and the list goes on. I also often draw inspiration from masters of Baroque architecture such as Morromini, Michelangelo, Brancusi, and Max Bill.

Finding the right rhythm to be productive can be a challenge. What advice do you have for staying productive and focused as an artist? 

This is a really difficult question. Inspiration is everything, but it’s elusive. Discovering how to find inspiration and how to create something from nothing can feel hopeless, but there is a sense of magic once it all aligns.

While every artist has their own practice, I personally need quiet and solitude. Every artist probably has their own. As hard as it is, I think it is ok to do nothing and embrace periods of stagnation. It can be healthy to recharge and wait for inspiration to find you.

As artists, I think we have to be comfortable with the unique dread and pain associated with feeling uncreative. It is part of the process, and creativity comes in waves. However, at the same time, it is important to be disciplined and work even when you don’t want to. It’s as important to push through difficult feelings as it is to wait for inspiration.

What is your advice for combating creative blocks? Are there any specific strategies you use to reignite your creativity? 

I’ve found that I have to accept creative blocks as part of the process. During these periods, I might engage with nature, practice some creative exercises, or sometimes take time to reset and do nothing creative at all.

It can be hard to approach this with discipline when you don’t feel creative or inspired, but I find that there are many ways to engage with my art without actively creating it. For example, marketing my work is creative in a sense, and it can help me reconnect with the joy of creating new work.

As an artist, how do you measure your success? Can you recall a specific event or milestone in your career that made you feel successful?? 

In terms of success, I find the deepest fulfilment if I am personally satisfied with my creation. I never really thought of this as a career, but rather a passion I cannot stop and am fortunate to pursue. That, intrinsically, is success!

In terms of external, quantifiable, or more traditional success, executing my first bronze sculpture for a cemetery in 1999 gave me hope that my work could help others and have a true impact.

What advice do you have for artists who are beginning to build their careers? Have there been any habits or strategies that you have adopted that you feel have created more opportunities or visibility for your work?

I love the saying, “hard work equals good luck.” Exhibiting love and respect for others while staying true to yourself is the foundation of positive relationships, and building strong connections is key to growing your career.

Traditional marketing and networking are also crucial, and it’s important to embrace modern technologies such as social media and online galleries.

Finally, don’t be afraid of criticism, and continue to be diligent in developing your technical skills. While potentially uncomfortable, openness to other perspectives and continuous technical growth are essential for effectively engaging with your audience.

Do you consider yourself, and all artists, to be entrepreneurs? Why or why not?

You must believe in yourself and trust that the universe has faith in your creative abilities and is keeping you on the right path. Trust in yourself and in the universe is a learned skill that develops over time and strengthens with practice.

It is also important to examine your fears and understand where they come from. Failure is not separate from success, but rather part of it and integral to the ongoing learning process.

What sparked your interest in partnering with TurningArt? Has your experience with TurningArt differed from other art companies you have worked with?

I was drawn to TurningArt for the opportunity to exhibit my work in a public, high-visibility setting. The level of professionalism and attention to detail throughout the process has been exceptional – equal to or better than any company I’ve worked with. Thank you, TurninArt!

How does being an artist affect your perception of the world? Do you see things differently compared to others who might not have an artistic background?

I am never bored. I am always fascinated. Light reflecting on a spoon is magic, and a fallen leaf settled on a sidewalk can spark an idea. As an artist, everything holds endless possibilities.

At times, this makes it difficult to focus on day-to-day tasks and function in a linear fashion. However, I don’t necessarily think of myself as different from others as an artist, as everyone has the capacity to be artistic in their own way.

Have other artists inspired your path? If so, can you share how they have influenced your work or career? 

Absolutely. The stone works of Michelangelo, Borromini, Brancusi, and Max Bill have impacted me in profound, indescribable ways. There’s something about the stone that speaks to me, and I wanted to experience working with it and communicating through it firsthand.

What is most meaningful to you about being an artist? What drives you to continue creating and pursuing art? 

I see artists as conduits for a larger, loving, vitalizing, creative energy. Art is a manifestation of these greater forces.

There’s a deep, almost primal drive within me to create. Through my work, I try to connect with that energy, understand my place within it, and create work that communicates it to others.

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