Jul 15-Nov 29, 2020
David Knapp thoughtfully depicts scenes of labor in foundries through this series of colorful paintings. A foundryman and artist, he intimately understands the processes, machinery, and physical skills required of metalcasting. In his art, Knapp chooses to highlight the people who work in foundries recognizing that the buildings and machinery are stagnant without their dedicated labor. Beneath the Smokestacks seeks to shed light on efforts of the laborers while preserving the rich, industrial history of foundries. Each piece depicts a foundry from around the country including Cast-Fab Technologies in Cincinnati, Ohio and Springfield’s own, O.S. Kelly Company.
David is a 1959 graduate BSME from Lehigh University. In 1962, he began his foundry career in Pittsburgh, mastering the mechanics of manufacturing some of the largest steel castings in the world. After decades in shop operations, Knapp settled into business development and spent 18 years with a family-owned iron foundry in Calera, Alabama. Well beyond traditional retirement, David traveled much of North America on company business and combined his passions for foundry history and large industrial paintings. Since last Fall, he has retired but continues to pursue his passions full time.
Virtually celebrate the opening of the exhibition during Art Possible Ohio’s Annual Day of Arts for All on Mar 27! Follow Art Possible Ohio on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ArtPossibleOhio to learn more.
