Sterz Imrie

Burnt Hills, NY
Residency: September-October 2004

Sterz, a constant recorder and observer of everyday life, is a self-taught artist who works with new media/video installation. His first medium, photography, expanded his perceptions and revealed to him whole new territories of observation and experience. By the mid-1990’s, Sterz began sculpting in his Brooklyn studio using a variety of materials—steel, stone, aluminum and acrylic. He was strongly influenced by the aesthetics of James Turrell, Roni Horn and Richard Serra. His unique video installations came about when he sought to animate his three-dimensional forms. Consistent with his belief that all life is imbued with the original energy that created the entire universe, the viewer of Sterz’ work often experiences a spontaneous aesthetic response befitting the beauty inherent in the endless variety and power of the natural world.

At an early age, Sterz was exposed to industrial toxins. Now at the age of 41, he is battling a brain tumor which has caused loss of motor control on the entire right side of his body. The tumor has also challenged his language production and comprehension. As of this date, however, his cancer is in remission, and Sterz cherishes the time he is able to share with his family and new son at his home in Saratoga Springs, New York. He exhibits his site-specific installations in galleries and museums throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean. He has participated in numerous international art fairs including Art Basel, Art Basel/Miami Beach and Art Chicago.