behind the
scenes: by Lorrie DiDomenico
photos by: Michael DiDomenico
Hard
Wear 
Café Alma in downtown St. Petersburg, on the cusp of a burgeoning Midtown area, hosted the latest works from Frank Strunk III. On this night friends, family and patrons gathered to view a collection of wearable chic sculptures formed into neckties and purses. Models wearing these accessories mingled with guests, displaying that art is more than something hung or framed a wall.
Strunk's most adoring enthusiasts volunteered to model his work. His father proudly modeled a delicately hinged next tie created from six pieces of precisely cut steel alongside Strunk's mother who was adorning a fully functional purse delicately draped over her shoulder. Varying fabrications and finishes used in the time capsule inspired handbags and purses created texture, depth and warmth to once cold steel. His distinct skills of taking industrial mediums and creating organic pieces were finely illustrated in a neck tie composed of a sculpted knot at the top that was followed by five joined pieces, of which the last piece was accented by studded diamonds.
Strunk's knowledge and familiarity with his chosen medium are evident in the various finishing, molding, and joining methods he has applied to his creations. Hard work and ingenuity were portrayed in the flawless execution of taking galvanized steel to create neckties that drape down the torso. Each piece is a unique incarnation of a classic accessory that could not be found anywhere else.
Frank's Dad models the Hard Wear
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