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Member, International Sculpture Center, Kinetic Society

All Gerola studies fit into 4 categories:
1. Graminaceous — behave like grasses, pay homage to planet's foremost source of sustenance.
2. Kinetic — have moving elements, remind one of 4 main elements: air, earth, fire and water.
3. Static — indoor atrium or outdoor monumental bring balance through the 2 additional feng shui elements of metal and stone.
4. Deconstructivist Objects & Nonrepresentational Paintings — graphically symbolize gentle interactions among these elements upon which all reality is formed.

Such studies can be incredibly expensive, both to fabricate and relocate. Raw material costs double every few years. Gerola sold his garden home to raise money and realize new designs. In 2006, he seized an opportunity in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, which invited artists to set up a collective in its former textile mills, where he’s become the signature sculptor. Here he continues to fabricate sculptures and paint.

When Gerola describes his pieces as, “tall and lithe to achieve lightness”, that’s not quite true. Steel is a heavy medium, yet his designs probe lightness, extravagantly removing much material. But they stop at a point of equilibrium, neither frittering it away nor stripping its underlying strength. Each piece remains substantial; few weigh less than 100 lbs, many require cranes to move. They’re massive to endure through the ages yet are never oppressive, find that aesthetic cross between architectural strength and organic vulnerability. All are cut from native hot rolled steel plate during the last 7 years, then painted, sandblasted or left to rust. Some still incomplete are shown in a raw state. He intends to paint in vibrant automotive finishes in harmony with their destinations.

Gerola seldom names his pieces. Almost all are "untitled" and intentionally non-representational. Except for masterwork Debbie D, a girlfriend's name capriciously tattooed on piece itself, names come from viewer consensus. Despite many conversations with artist, no motivation could be elicited. One might suspect a ploy if one was not already acquainted with artist's childlike, whimsical nature. He always let his forms speak for themselves, but it is a peaceful message easily overlooked. Abstract art challenges and questions but seldom confronts or offends; it is sensitive to all cultures and suitable for public places.

Works in monumental steel sculpture represent the latest highlights of his 25-year career as a full time professional artist. Don says, “Engineering and mechanical inventiveness inspire me as ways to express the beauty, power and sustenance of nature. My pieces are centered around the power of motion. Each mirrors innovation, how man does what's never been done.” His catalog of 90 sculptures was meant to represent Man's symbiosis with natural elements, to rise above, to be allowed to soar, to reach from earth to sky. They share what all of mankind has in common. He’s living his dream to chase the wind, probe the laws of gravity, and impact the world of sculpture. Installations >

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