Charles Gadeken is an award-winning industrial artist working in the creative field for over 25 years, whose monumental interactive public artworks reimagine the world post-nature. Artwork commissions include Black Rock Arts Foundation, City of San Francisco, Insomniac Events, Coachella, Absolut Vodka, City of Palo Alto, City of Calabasas, City of Los Altos, Stanford University, and more. Many of Charles' works have been exhibited internationally.

Skilled in manipulating metals, Charles makes copper, bronze, and steel pieces of varying dimensions and functionalities. Inspired by the objects, structures, and processes in the world around us, his art depicts natural objects in fantastic ways and realizes the potential for serendipity in everyday life. He often incorporates and develops technology for various effects in many of his projects—LEDs, flame, hydraulics, and electricity to increase the work's visual and physical impact. These effects instill a sense of joy, wonder, amazement and play into the environment.

Focused on engaging the imagination in the objects created and the method of their creation, Charles dedicates his work to increasing artistic community and public awareness of art. Many pieces are interactive, encouraging spectators to become participants in the artistic experience. In addition to making art, his artistic practice encourages others to do so and has inspired hundreds of people to participate in art-making for multiple projects. Charles also aims to create public art that contributes to and celebrates the community and increases public interest and connection to the place and region.

From 2019-2020, Charles is an adjunct lecturer at Stanford University in the Electrical Engineering department. He taught and supported building a complex multi-piece collaborative kinetic light art sculpture with students in EE185 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the department at Stanford.

Entwined was initially built in late 2020 to be included in a more extensive outdoor exhibit in Peacock Meadow of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for their 150th anniversary. The installation included 20 Entwined 'Shrubs' and 3 larger trees ranging from 12-20 ft. in height. As planning with the City's Park & Recreation Dept. included the need to clear several commission hearings for approval, the timing was tight. We worked fast and furious to complete the project in time for opening day. The effort included numerous volunteers in building and installing the multi-piece artwork.

While I always aspire that my work is engaging, building connection, and instilling wonder and joy, as the project was open outside during the depth of the quarantine, the artwork also became a pillar of hope and healing, building resiliency for thousands of Park visitors. Many visitors returned to the installation again and again. I am happy Entwined could act as such a needed essential public space during this time.

You can learn more about Charles Gadeken’s work on his website, or by following him on Facebook and Instagram.