Artist Statement

The jiu-jitsu chess pieces by Michael Todoran combine Michael’s obsessions with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and chess. Each chess character began with the intention of embodying the spirit of warriors. In traditional chess sets, the only female is the Queen. Michael’s Bishop piece is the second female in chess to demonstrate that women have always played a significant role helping in both defensive and offensive roles on the battlefield. The original concepts for the chess sets began with pencil sketches and exploration of the design in clay and other mediums. Ultimately, the pieces began to awaken with character once the digital 3D modeling was utilized. The details, such as the cauliflower ears on the pawns and castles, are demonstrated and expressed by being able to sculpt with the precision and fluidity that 3D modeling allows.

Bio

Michael Todoran is a practicing landscape architect and fine artist. As a landscape architect, he has worked in small, mid-size, and global landscape architecture firms. As an artist, Michael has exhibited his work in group and solo exhibitions since 1999. The roles of gallerist and curator are a natural progression given Michael’s adept entrepreneurial ability and love for bringing people together.