Greg Olijnyk is Sculpting Magic from Cardboard
Based in the vibrant cityscape of Melbourne, Australia, Greg Olijnyk has spent the past three decades carving his creative legacy. In 2017, the artist embarked on a daring escapade into the realm of three-dimensional art, leaving the confines of keyboards behind to embrace the tactile allure of cardboard.
Greg Olijnyk’s sculptures breathe life into the humble medium of cardboard, transmuting it into fantastical realms. While one might balk at the notion of shaping this everyday material, Olijnyk wields it with masterful dexterity, crafting intricate forms and mechanisms that defy convention. Whether it’s a skyline adorned with crushed beer cans or a robotic samurai sporting a feathered hat, each piece resonates with whimsy and narrative depth, inviting viewers into a world where imagination reigns supreme.
What sets Greg Olijnyk’s creations apart is not just their aesthetic allure, but the meticulous craftsmanship behind them. Eschewing blueprints and digital aids, Olijnyk relies solely on his trusty scalpel blade to sculpt his visions. Each joint is painstakingly crafted by hand, imbuing the sculptures with a tangible sense of realism. Moreover, Olijnyk often illuminates his creations with delicate LED lights, adding a captivating luminosity to his already enchanting works.
The genesis of each sculpture is a journey of discovery, with the form gradually revealing itself through the creative process. Weeks, sometimes months, are poured into refining every detail, from the rugged texture of a brick to the delicate curvature of a bird’s wing. It’s a testament to Greg Olijnyk’s dedication to his craft, a refusal to compromise on the pursuit of authenticity and perfection.
Olijnyk’s artistic journey traces back to his upbringing in 1960s Ballarat, a city steeped in history and tradition. Surrounded by turn-of-the-century architecture and a conservative ethos, he found solace in the boundless realms of science fiction. Inspired by luminaries like Chris Foss and Syd Mead, Olijnyk sought to breathe life into the futuristic landscapes that captivated his imagination.
It was this fascination with the future that led Olijnyk to cardboard, a medium as versatile as it is unassuming. Its affordability, pliability, and eco-friendly nature made it the perfect canvas for his artistic endeavors. By embracing the monochromatic simplicity of cardboard, Olijnyk invites viewers to focus on the intricate details of his creations, celebrating the imperfections and nuances that define each piece.
In an age where technology reigns supreme and mass production is the norm, Olijnyk’s decision to eschew color and embrace the raw essence of his chosen medium is a bold declaration of artistic integrity. His sculptures stand as testaments to the enduring power of handmade craftsmanship, a beacon of creativity in a world dominated by automation and uniformity.
As Greg Olijnyk continues to push the boundaries of cardboard artistry, he invites us to embark on a journey of imagination and wonder. Through his whimsical sculptures, he reminds us that true artistry knows no bounds, transcending the constraints of time and technology to evoke emotion and inspire awe. In the enchanting worlds he creates, cardboard becomes more than just a material—it becomes a gateway to boundless possibility.
All the photography by Griffin Simm
Greg Olijnyk information:
Website: https://www.gregolijnyk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregolijnyk/
