Jonathan Rypkema is a sculptor based in Charleston, SC, whose work explores the unique characteristics of various materials. Drawing inspiration from industrial architecture and handcrafted machinery, he embraces the visible presence of fasteners, rivets, and screws in his creations. His compositions are often shaped by the materials at hand, with many pieces beginning as scraps that he gradually refines and builds upon. While his finished works may appear meticulously planned, his creative process is organic and spontaneous, evolving as he responds to the materials before him.
“I find that my inspiration isn’t always rooted in the arts. It can come from a variety of sources—such as a car manufacturer, lighting design, architecture, or bridge design.”
Rypkema studied studio art at the College of Charleston. In the fall of 2022, he was an artist-in-residence at the Gibbes Museum of Art. His work has been exhibited at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, Redux Contemporary Art Center, and the Gibbes Museum of Art.