Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Levack
chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a sculptor, designer and builder of outdoor structures. I grew up in Austin and have always been connected to the landscape and waterways of this region, which continue to inspire my work. I studied sculpture and ceramics at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I discovered a love for architecture and sculpture. Upon my return to Austin in 1993 I worked at Clayworks Studio, doing design and production of architectural terra cotta. From there I moved on to wood and steel, setting up shop at Splinter Group. in 1999, where I design and construct components that we install on site. I started off building mostly decks, shade structures, and outdoor sculptures. Since then my scope of work has widened to include more recreational projects, such as natural playscapes and skateparks.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t call it a smooth road, but I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been able to work for myself and in a creative field. The struggle for me is better seen as daily physical labor: welding, framing, drawing shlepping material, writing, etc., but that is also what I have always wanted to do for a living, so i consider it a blessing as much as a task..
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I design and create large scale, outdoor, functional interactive sculpture and architecture. My most well known and enjoyed works of public art are Iron Wave, an iconic, steel skate ramp at House Park, and Pollen Grain, a 14 ft diameter sphere made of steel rings in the Mueller redevelopment green belt. Of late, my best known works are the natural playscapes that I have created for Meanwhile Brewing, Jester King, Austin Beerworks, Fast Friends, and most recently the outdoor history classroom at Monument Hill in LaGrange. Each of these is custom designed for kids of all ages and adults to enjoy outdoor recreation, and make tactile connections with the environment thru natural materials.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am so grateful for Catellus, who redeveloped the Mueller Airport into a neighborhood, for bringing me in to design and install the 2 giant sculptures PollenGrain and Wigwam in their Prarie restoration greenbelt. I am also grateful for Meanwhile Brewing, who hired me to design and build their outdoor natural playground in 2020. This was the first of many playscapes that I have been busy making this decade. They are a pivotal force in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Levackoutdoors.com
- Instagram: levack_outdoors
Image Credits
3rd pic, Iron Wave, photo by Wendy Ogle
