Paul Cesewski
1567 Alabama Ave.
San Francisco CA 94110
415-987-8205
Fun is the universal language. My work focuses on interactive sculptures. I have worked in general contracting work, fabrication, and high-end construction for the last twenty years and have built many commissioned public art projects in the context of my own work, on collaborations, and as part of San Francisco’s Bike Rodeo. I am used to bidding and implementing materials and structures in various contexts. I am experienced in estimating, with metalwork, installing and de-installing work on time and on budget.
Installations
2007 Wheelbarrow Bike and Cargo Bike. In Victory Garden Exhibit opening at SFMOMA Jan 27, 2007 Tube steel and sheet metal construction.
2006 Miss Rockaway Armada. Collaborative floating sculpture raft built for Mississippi Summer 2006. Salvaged lumber, steel, foam, Volkswagen diesel motors.
2005 Bicycle Ferris Wheel and Bike to the Moon. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction, custom bearings. Each approximately 14’x14’ footprint, 16’ tall. Bicycle powered carnival rides for New Belgium Brewery. Rides included a bicycle powered Ferris Wheel and Bike to the Moon, a flying bike ride. Toured to nine cities as part of Tour de Fat, a brewery sponsored festival.
2004 Star Wheel. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction, steel gears, chains, and custom bearings. 22 foot vertical diameter wheel x 7’ wide. This piece is a Rolling Ferris Wheel. Participant Powered Rolling Sculpture commissioned by Burning Man Art Festival. Wheels within wheels turn to propel us through the universe. As we pedal ourselves around our daily routines we are driving our greater life’s path. We develop commitments, loyalties, and family. A video of this at http://www.jenfriedberg.com/burningManIs/burningManIs.html
2004 Cyclefuge. Fabricated tube steel, custom bearings. 40’ Diameter footprint x 12’ tall. Cyclefuge is a ride that tours with San Francisco’s Bike Rodeo. Riders and peddlers cooperate redefining amusement rides. This ride swings four people around as four people pedal the ride. Inclusive, interactive, entertainment for participants by participants.
2002 Lotus Land. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction. Collaboration with Jenne Giles. Created nine giant metal flowers in a 6000 square foot “garden”. Includes Paul’s 15 ft. tall water Lililes, which have been shown separately as well as part of Lotus Land. Ulysses dreams in the land of the lotus-eaters.
2002 Pinwheels. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction.. 6’ Diameter Pinwheel, 8’x12’ footprint, 14’ tall. Galvanized steel and custom bearings. Temporary waterfront installation of the Pinwheels. We remember our childhood in the scale of dreams. The pinwheels evoke delightful memories.
2001 Bicycle Ferris Wheel and Carousel. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction, custom bearings. 28’ Diameter footprint, 13’ tall. Bikes, steel and custom fabric canopy. This ride was commissioned for a Burning Man Art Festival 2001 playground. Playgrounds are where we develop mind and body. We connect with others and learn to play.
2000 Dizzy Toy. 14’ diameter footprint x 30” tall. Fabricated tube steel, custom bearings. truck axel, custom drive line assembly. In this piece participants hold on and spin around and around. As participants turn the world blurs and they see only each other. This piece tours with San Francisco’s Bike Rodeo and is loaned out for installation at other events. This photo is from the How Berkeley Can You Be Parade.
Professional Experience
Construction Manager, Self Employed. San Francisco, CA 1986-present
Metal Fabricator, Complete Fabrications. San Francisco, CA 1994-present
Construction Consultant Van Acker and Associates 2003-2004
Consulted and Supervised on construction and details. Worked on the homes of Larry Ellison, and other elite clients
Selected Grants and Commissions
2005 Commission from New Belgium Brewery to design and build Bicycle Ferris Wheel and Bike to the Moon.
2004 Grant from Burning Man Art Festival to design and build Star Wheel
2004 Commission from San Francisco’s Bike Rodeo to design and build Cyclefuge
2002 Grant from Burning Man Art Festival to design and build Lotus Land
2001 Grant from Burning Man Art Festival to design and build Ferris Wheel and Bicycle Carousel for festival playground.
Selected Press
August 9, 2006 “Art Down the Mississippi” by David Carr. New York Times
August 23, 2002 “Flowering Inferno,” by Dave Ford. San Francisco Chronicle
July 10, 2002 “The Real Fourth of July,” by Silke Tudor. SF Weekly
August 23, 2002 “Gravity-Fueled Outlaws,” by Rachel Lehmann-Haupt. Wired Magazine
Upcoming article in Leonardo: Journal of Art and Science