Actual Size Artworks is a collaborative team of two artists, Gail Simpson and Aristotle Georgiades, sculptors whose work often includes utilitarian elements such as seating or fences. We moved to Wisconsin from the Northwest, where we had previously collaborated on many large-scale indoor and outdoor public art projects. We have been working together since 1992, and are particularly interested in projects where there is an opportunity to integrate our sculptural work with the site, as well as a chance to get involved with public, community-based projects. Relating the artwork to the location, both visually and in terms of the users of the site, is a priority for us. Our goal is to create artwork that, rather than providing decor, engages its audience in an intelligent, respectful manner, and although acknowledging the diversity of visitors and users of the site it would suggest human issues or experiences common to all.

Our work often includes recognizable imagery to create an appealing, lively sense of place. We work with a wide variety of weather-permanent materials, including steel, aluminum, bronze and concrete, and we are attentive to matters of vandalism and maintenance. We generally try to use materials, colors and textures that are compatible with the overall design theme. Sequential works that unfold as a viewer walks or rides past also interest us - this creates a sense of discovery and change. Regarding scale, we try to make works that can hold their own in a larger space but refer to human scale so the viewer doesn't feel overwhelmed. Usually this means creating a larger structure using smaller, related parts. We have had design team experience working with engineers, architects, and landscape architects, and due to our teaching and community activities our communication skills are strong.

Many of our projects have had strong participation and input from the communities being served by the project, and as a result of these experiences we feel committed to developing projects that are integrated through dialogue with those involved with the site. Public art project are an opportunity to overcome the apprehension many people feel about contemporary art by generating a connection between artist and audience, and if all goes well the result is a permanent addition to the community that is appreciated, discussed and valued.