Jonathan Hertzel, photo courtesy of the artist, James A. Michener Art Museum Library

"If we could see the universe as Hertzel does, we would see more unity than division. We would see a gathering of dynamic forces rather than a static collection of unrelated ideas" -Brian H. Peterson

Sculptor Jonathan Hertzel works largely in bronze, making abstract sculptures that relate to the structures and processes of life. He starts with a signature DNA-like design, from which grow shapes that suggest both human and animal forms as well as the patterns of nature. “My work has a spiral sort of motion,” he says, “things turning within themselves and back out again, back within and out again.” Among his major influences was the Swiss Surrealist Sculptor Alberto Giacometti.

Hertzel says: “I do feel that human form is really a conduit, a type of organic machinery gathering energy that is harnessed and expressed.” As part of its ongoing Outdoor Sculpture Program, the James A. Michener Art Museum presented an installation of sculpture by Hertzel called “The Gathering” in 2005.

Hertzel was trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and at Alfred University. His work has been exhibited at the Woodmere Art Museum, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

In addition to his bronzes, Hertzel is also known for his ceramic sculptures and pastel paintings.