Fred Sternkopf
Visual Arts: Film, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Painting, Sculpture, Visual Arts Instructor
Welcome to my world of art!
Being born into a family with generations of German artists, I was almost destined to become an artist. At age 5, I had my first solo exhibition of paintings in Michigan . . . and Art continued thereafter as my central focus of life. I completed studies at Michigan State University, the University of Wisconsin, the Art Institute of Chicago and the San Francisco Art Institute.
I live and work between the Northcoast of California and New Mexico. My work can be found in private, corporate, and museum collections throughout America and in Western Europe. Many forms of art have played a part in my world of expression.
My sculpture ranges from figurative realism to minimalist abstract . . . monumental to minimal in size.
Materials used include corten steel, stainless steel, wood, stone and more.
Each new commissioned project dictates the range of expression. The rules come from the heart.
Ravens have often been my muse. They’ve long played a role in the spiritual beliefs of many cultures worldwide, since the beginning of mankind. They’re considered the wisest of all birds, and often seem to express a special wisdom beyond the human realm.
Since early museum exposure to the works of Alexander Calder, I’ve sought to expand in that direction with my own personal mobiles. Now often personal and corporate collections include my mobiles in addition to their Calders.
Cartooning has played an important role in my life since the time I could hold a pencil as a small child. Over a thousand of my cartoons have been published to date in newspapers, magazines and books.
For over 20 years my “Dr. Doo” political/social commentary cartoon strip has appeared in the Anderson Valley Advertiser, one of the last truly progressive independent publications. A weekly newspaper with distribution across the country and abroad, especially featured in college and university bookstores.
“Dennis Rodman”Private CollectionChicago, ILAcrylic on Board
Other graphic art has included portraiture of several well known sports and entertainment figures for their collections. Also I’ve worked with social activists, such as the Black Panthers. In addition to fine art paintings, I’ve done book illustrations …and several logo designs. My love of sports has taken me into commercial graphics for several professional sports teams, including Giants, A’s, Niners, Raiders and the Golden State Warriors.
Film, video and photography have also played an important part in my creative life. My short documentary and docudrama films have won awards in several international film festivals, including the San Francisco, New York and Chicago festivals. I’ve also taught Film and Video Production with the assistance of a “California Arts Council” grant. In the commercial world of advertising, I’ve produced several TV commercials and corporate films for national distribution.
“Women In Black”Sculpture CommissionStainless Steel & StoneCarolyn M. Owen CollectionMendocino Coast, CA
Much of my work is political or spiritual in content. I strongly believe fine art should speak directly to the soul. With each encounter with a work of art, something new should be seen and realized…over and over. True art shouldn’t just be decorative, but add to the expansion of the inner self…the soul, and bring about personal reflection and insight. Every time one looks at the same piece of real fine art it should be a new experience…a revelation…helping to discover oneself.
Frederick Sternkopf
P.O.Box 743
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 962-0410
Frederick Sternkopf
