From a young age it was travel, craftsmanship and the exploration of new things that inspired Castleton Professor and Chair of the Art Department Oliver Schemm.

“I found myself constantly in new towns, surrounded by unknown places and ideas,” said Schemm, who by the age of 12 had moved seven times with his family and visited 13 different countries.

It was those very experiences that influenced his creativity and appreciation for art. His travel opportunities sparked a deep-rooted desire to work with his hands, transforming abstract thoughts and designs into reality through sculpting and other means.

“I began making objects in my early teens and have not stopped,” explained Schemm. “I was fascinated by how you could combine all these different parts and create something that was totally new and has function.”

Schemm’s handiwork was taken to the next level as he discovered his passion for home renovations. His first home improvement experience was as a laborer on a Washington D.C. row house at the age of 14. Having continued to build upon his skills and knowledge, he is now on his fifth home renovation, which he completed on his family homestead in Grafton, Vermont. Inspired by his three daughters, ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old, the project was finished with an eye towards the future.

“I loved this project the most because I refurbished the place with my kid’s grandkids in mind,” he said. “I loved thinking about the many generations to come enjoying that space.”

Schemm translates his passions into his classroom teachings by encouraging students to travel often and experience new things. His message to all portrays living a creative lifestyle while drawing from the world around them.

“A creative life begins with a receptive mind and never ends with wonder,” he said.