"In creating my work, I begin with a concept in my head, I do not sketch my ideas in advance as the thoughts for each piece come from my heart, and my experiences in life as well as all that is in the universe. Next I prepare the metal by cutting out multiple shapes, polishing, then curving them into desired forms. I then manipulate the shapes intertwining them until they become a new sculpture. My work evolves as I create it, at times when I am creating, the piece starts speaking to me in a different way than I had originally planned and I end up changing it in the process and arrive with a totally different finished sculpture." Bruce Niemi is a second-generation sculptor who studied under his father, Frank J. Niemi (an ornamental iron artist and self-taught sculptor). Niemi learned how to weld at his father's studio in 1968. His father was a major influence in the style and craftsmanship that goes into a Niemi sculpture. In 1974, Niemi entered Northern Illinois University and graduated in 1981 with a B.F.A. in Sculpture. He's been welding and creating sculptures for 47 years; full-time for 29 years. To date, Bruce has over 54 permanent public sculptures across the United States and Europe