gallowelds.com/content/bio/index.md

---
title: Ian Gallo
date: 2024-08-16T18:13:00.000Z
buttons:
  - text: Contact Artist
    url: /contact
---

## Artist Bio
Ian Gallo's artistic journey is a tale of unexpected detours and transformative moments. In 2018,
the art community was ignited by his debut at Okeechobee Music Festival with his 8ft interactive
dragonfly kaleidoscope, captivating 32,000 attendees with his artwork. Since then, Ian has
swiftly garnered attention for his large-scale art inspired by nature and human form, showcasing
his creations at prominent art festivals and galleries.

In pursuit of a steady income, Ian was on track to becoming a successful pipeline welder after
his graduation from Lively Tech's Advanced Welding Program in 2019. Accompanied by a
multitude of nationally recognized AWS certifications, he found himself moving to Atlanta with
his fiance to join UA Local Union 72. After feeling a lack of creative expression, Ian took a risk
and established his own company with a bold vision to address the diverse welding needs of the
local community. His services extended to a wide array of commercial and residential fabrication
and restoration projects, ranging from handrails, ladder racks, and car haulers to undertaking
intricate construction jobs involving multi-story buildings with beams and columns.

His perspective was transformed in 2021 after fabricating and wiring a gorgeous illuminated
backdrop for his own wedding. After the celebration, their florist suggested future collaborations
involving that structure. This pivotal experience not only reshaped the direction of his business,
sparking numerous artistic collaborations with a diverse range of partners including designers,
event planners, venue owners, and wedding florists but also solidified his commitment to the
continued success and growth of his venture.

After years of learning new art techniques and mediums working in the wedding industry, Ian
was ready to re-emerge into the large-scale installation art scene. Working within his self-made
shipping container studio outside of Atlanta, Ian single-handedly sculpted his most stunning art
installation to date. Inspired by the Yoruba goddess of storms, “Oyá” is a 14ft tall warrior
goddess made entirely of hand-crafted aluminum. After years of planning with the site
developer, “Oyá” is installed and scheduled to be debuted in Tallahassee, FL in the fall of 2024.

Ian was 1 of 16 artists chosen from a large pool of applicants to participate in Atlanta's 2024
Beltline Business Ventures program. Guided by Tiffany LaTrice and Aisha White of TILA
Studios, this prestigious program offers a comprehensive curriculum to empower locally
recognized artists by bolstering their business acumen. Noteworthy collaborations with
distinguished artists and curators like Autumn Breon, Tony Loadholt, Ellex Swavoni, Oshun
Layne, and Tisha Smith contribute to enriching this transformative growth opportunity.

Ian’s art resonates with a unique blend of strength and vulnerability, where elements of his world
intersect and converse within his sculptures. With his talent, determination, and a growing
network of artist connections, Ian’s artistic journey is only just beginning.

## Artist Statement
“In my creative journey, I explore the intertwining of nature and humanity. Through metal
sculptures, I seek to unravel how people connect with their changing environment and navigate
cultural and economic disparities.
Inspired by the rugged allure of industrial design, my creations embody a marriage of robust
materials and intricate detailing. Each sculpture is a testament to the delicate dance between
form and function, where graceful curves and dynamic lines converge with knowledge of
structural stability.

Each weld is more than just a joining of materials. It also serves as a testament to the strength
and vulnerability inherent in societal existence. Just as welding requires skill, knowledge, and
the right tools to create a strong bond, society relies on economic stability, social cohesion,
political governance, and cultural values working in harmony. Weaknesses in these areas can
cause societal breakdowns, akin to a weak weld causing structural failures. However, as a
skilled welder brings pieces together, societies can overcome challenges by being adaptable
and resilient, striving for inclusivity, flexibility, and sustainability. My sculptures stand as catalysts
for introspection, encouraging viewers to reassess the values they hold and the narratives they
perpetuate.

Through my work, I aspire to challenge perceptions and spark conversations. Ultimately, I
advocate for a more decorated, inclusive, and equitable society where love and community
building resources are accessible to all, regardless of economic means.”