By day the sound of an angle grinder echoes through Midtown’s alleys, dust and occasional fragments of powdery stone bouncing into the lane. Neighbors walking by often stop to chat, remarking on the elaborately carved marble sculptures made by local sculptor, Vince King, admiring his progress over the last several months. 

King created his garage-studio at the I Street Co-op where he moved just over 5 years ago, a then-recent graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Environmental Conservation Biology and Management. He began working for the County of Sacramento, helping to develop several conservation planning initiatives, and sculpting in his spare time. 

After some planning of his own, King transitioned to a full-time sculptor, focusing his energy on large marble and wood creations, which will be on exhibit at Gallery 2110 on May 12. The show, Origins: From Where Do We Come? , represents ideas King has been carrying for years, expressing concepts of nature, society, and science in our world. 

Though a majority of the exhibit pieces are built upon beliefs long held by King, his experience at I Street has also played a role. 

“The most direct influence is that of ideas. I learned a lot about myself, social groups, and the world at large living in the house.”  

The I Street Co-op, which has space for 14, is an intentional community of eco-conscious, young working professionals that seek to lessen their personal impact on the environment and to be part of an ever-growing family of supportive peers.  

One of many benefits of this housing structure is the ability to conserve resources, for example, owning one television and refrigerator rather than 14. Power in numbers also lets people shop in bulk and cook large, family-style meals rather than individual pre-prepared servings, resulting in less waste.  

Such a lifestyle appeals to Vince, who knows all too well the enormous amount of infrastructure and waste created in cities, and the consequences of our homes, roads, and buildings on the natural habitats we have encroached.   

The idea of communal living can be frighteningly unfamiliar to some, especially considering the wide range of personalities and backgrounds of so many people under one roof. King thrives on this aspect of community living and uses it to grow as an artist and person, gleaning inspiration from the combined energy and passion for life that seems to ebb throughout the co-op. 

“There are some pretty amazing people who have lived in the house and that drives me to contribute something to the local and broader community in some way.”   

Vince’s art can be viewed on his website, as well as on display at Gallery 2110 on K street, beginning Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 am.