About The Artist

Ed puts the finishing touches on a bust of Lou Foppiano.  Founder of the Foppiano winery in Healdsburg, CA 

Artist's Statement

"I work in the classical style of the old masters, always seeking to capture the likeness and personality of my subject.

The object of art is to crystallize emotion into thought and subsequently into form.  True artistry is a marriage of volume, shape, line, space, texture, and movement.  Sculpture should always express reality.

Artistic talent is a gift from God.  It is the artist's responsibility to use his talent to incorporate the subject's sensitivity, emotion, and personality into a lasting work of art."

Ed Voelkel

Sculptor Ed Voelkel, beside his half life-size bronze  "Grape Picker"; the first sculpture in the artist's "Wine Series".  This particular sculpture is mounted atop a three foot marble base.  

Biography

Born near the halfway mark of the twentieth century, Ed Voelkel (pronounced "vocal") seems to have benefited from yesterday's values and manners, as well as today's positive outlook and easy going lifestyle.  Sporting his ever present attire of Hawaiian shirt and shorts, Ed still greets folks the polite, old-fashioned way with a firm, confident handshake, and a few kind words.  Outgoing, friendly, and always eager to help others in need, Ed possesses characteristics more fitting a boy scout than an "artist"--and with good reason.  As a teenager, Ed reached the rank of Eagle Scout and claims it not only taught him how to work toward a goal, but how to respect others as well.

In 1978, Ed obtained a B.A. Degree in Art from California State University Fullerton.  It was there that he first started sculpting very large busts.  Ed says, “While in college this feeling hit me and I started taking my passion for sculpture very seriously and from then on I knew it would always be an important part of my life."

Southern California witnessed the meager beginnings of Voelkel Designs Studio as a graphic design business in 1984.  Nine years later, Ed moved his family and business to their current home of Healdsburg, California.  It’s here, in Healdsburg, that he seems to have found his niche with his many wine related sculptures.

Ed and his wife Theresa genuinely enjoy living in Northern California's wine growing area.  Ed states, "The whole wine industry here fascinates me.  That's why I've tried to capture some of the activities, history, and lure of the wine making process.  And the response from vineyards in the area has been very positive." 

In addition to his “Wine Series” of sculptures, Ed also loves to do very detailed, realistic, portrait sculpture.  Ed still accepts commissions for one-of-a-kind portrait work.  He remarks, "The biggest reward for me as an artist is capturing the expression and emotion of a person's face in my sculpture and then watching that person observe it for the first time.  What a great feeling!"

Ed keeps his studio open to the public and enjoys talking to visitors.  He says, “I know most people that stop by don’t want to buy anything, they’re just curious to see what I’m up to.  And I like showing them.  I’ve even given tours to the local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and elementary school.  I think it’s fun.” 

Ed is an artist that's always happy to talk to people with questions, comments, or special requests.

Students from a local school tour Voelkel Designs Studio.

Ed presents Karl Eller with his "Phoenix Rising" sculpture.

Ed explains the "lost wax" process to students from a Healdsburg elementary school.

Ed shows off his miniature bronze barrel overflowing with tiny grape clusters.  It serves as a classy wine bottle holder.

Ed oversees the installation of bronze artwork on the Rafanelli Winery's main gate. 

Voelkel Designs Studio

Call us at:

(707) 433-0215

Our Studio is located at:

526 Johnson Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

Mail us at:

P.O. Box 186, Healdsburg, CA 95448