Jon Seeman: Abstract and Stylish

At first glance, Jon Seeman's Laguna Canyon workshop appears focused on manufacturing steel. Metal grinders lie around, sheets of metal are stacked on top of one another, and spray paint is organized across the walls. But take a few steps farther in and there are grand masterpieces shaped out of the metal.

"I'd describe my work as geometric abstraction with suspension and dramatic interaction of forms," says Seeman, standing in front of one of his massive works.

The metal sculptor started off as a photographer in the late 1970s. He sold his first piece of art when he was 21 for a staggering $3,200—about $15,000 in today's dollars.

"That first piece is what made me set out to be an artist," the Laguna Beach-born Seeman says. "It paid for my trip to New York, and photography got me a place in Manhattan. I went to school there and eventually moved back to Laguna Beach."

Photography wasn't enough for Seeman. He wanted to create something extraordinary and challenge himself.

"I turned into a metal sculptor because I believe that it's much more rewarding to see all the work you do become a piece of art," he says. "The challenge behind making every piece is what drives me. If it's too easy, I get bored with it really quick. That's why my projects keep getting bigger and bigger."

His sculptures are abstract and elegant. They are also kinetic, which means they can move if the wind permits. One of his prized pieces is made up of two brown pillars that surround a rod that hits a gong when there is sufficient wind, creating a calming, soothing sound for anyone within earshot.

Another untitled work is a swirl of red metal that envelops a metal sphere in the center. The curvature of the metal creates the abstract part of the work, while the sphere keeps the viewer focused on the center.

A different sculpture, inspired by airplanes, is made of chrome. It is also kinetic, and the motion combined with the shapes make it resemble a small fleet of paper airplanes moving back and forth.  

"I've sold one to a Korean gentleman," says Seeman. "He took a picture of it at his house in South Korea, and the top of [the sculpture] was covered in snow. It's great to see my work travel so far."

One of his largest works, at the Laguna Beach homeless center, is a 17-foot-tall steel whale, which bursts from its base into the air as if it were leaping out of the water. The whale is one of Seeman's only works to depict real life and is not abstract. 

"The city commissioned the whale for $119,000," Seeman says. "Right now it's temporarily at the homeless center but will be moved to Heisler Park later for the rest of the public to enjoy."

The whale is just the beginning of what's to come from the 59-year-old artist.

"I've got much more planned," he says. "I'm working on some pieces that are over 200 feet in size. They are going to be huge."

As for young, aspiring artists? Seeman gives some helpful tips:

"You've really got to make yourself stand out," he says. "If you don't, there's no way you can make it in this industry. You have to be different from everyone else."

To view more of Jon Seeman's art, visit jonseeman.com.

Are you a Laguna Beach-based artist? Want to be featured in our Artist of the Week profile? Send an e-mail (or point us toward your website, or e-mail us copies of your work) to rich.kane@patch.com. No purchase (or small bribes) necessary!