Who was Ken Salzman?
Kenneth Stanley Salzman (January 19, 1930-March 11, 2015)
Ken was a sculptorplumberphilosopher. Read his obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/delawareonline/name/kenneth-salzman-obituary?id=14915382
Most of his artworks were sculpted in oil-based plastiline clay and later cast into bronze, bonded bronze or plaster. (An exception is the violinist which was sculpted in ceramic and fired in a kiln).
The casting process was lead by Sal Perotta at Sculpture House Casting in New York. Artist's copies of many of his pieces are still available for casting in bronze or bonded bronze. Ken's email is still monitored if you are interested in learning more: ken.salzman@gmail.com. Learn more about casting at https://sculpturehousecasting.com/about-us
Over the years he showed his works throughout the Northeast US and later in his gallery in New Rochelle, NY.
Ken wrote a book telling the story of his life, featuring his philosophical journey, and how contemplation lead to profound insights. On the book cover is a photo of the display window of the plumbing shop.
Would you like to read it?
The original studio was in the basement of his Bronx Plumbing Shop
He had sculptures in the window, alongside samples of shower fixtures. In his book, My Second Life (2006) Ken wrote about his plumbing shop and his journeys into a life of the mind as he descended the steps of the plumbing shop into his underground studio.
Ken was honored by Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela's future wife who unveiled his portrait at the South African Consulate in New York celebration of Freedom day in April 1998. Ken gave a speech about the power of ideas (see text).
