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When Tom Kundig returned to South Hills last month for his father’s funeral, the respected Seattle architect couldn’t help but reminisce. Kundig smiles when he recalls leaving home for the University of Washington more than half a century ago.
“I remember thinking, the best view in Spokane is in the rearview mirror,” Kundig said. “All kids feel that way when they leave home because they want an adventure, and mine was in Seattle.”
But Kundig, 69, points to his formative years in his hometown as helping him forge his own path. Kundig pays homage to his father, Moritz Kundig, a respected architect and legendary local artist Harold Balazs.
When Kundig returned to his hometown in February, he visited the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture to view Balazs’s exhibition “Harold Balazs: Leaving Traces,” which runs through June 2. and delivered a speech at the donation event.
“I fully support what’s going on at MAC, especially with Harold’s file,” Kundig said from his office in Seattle.
Kundig facilitated the acquisition of 30 mixed-media works for the collection, including copper, lead, wood, metal and foam sculptures.
“It’s the least I can do because what Harold created should stay in Spokane,” Kundig said. “I had to help because Harold’s influence was so powerful. I have to acknowledge his impact on my life and my success as an architect every day.”
The principals of Olson Kundig Architects have won an American Institute of Architects Award for a striking cabin at Chicken Point in Hayden Lake. Kundig designed the stunning Winescape Winery, the pristine and refined Pierre in the San Juan Islands, and many other critically acclaimed projects.
“Harold’s impact on me was his sense of adventure, curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm,” Kundig said. “All of this affected me.”
Kundig met Balazs, who died in 2017 at age 89, when Balazs was 5, and began working with the iconic artist at age 12.
“At least he won’t be hit with child labor laws now,” Kundig said. “I was very young when we met. I realized early on that Harold was this force of nature and we were lucky to have him in our community.”
Moritz Kundig and Balazs were friends, and Tom Kundig reaped the rewards of their relationship.
“Harold was a very interesting guy who was always adventurous,” Kundig said. “He was a very smart man, but he was all-or-nothing in the art world. At the time, he was doing some work for (department store) Joel (Inc.) and living in Nanshan.
“I would go into his shop and observe, but soon after I was working with him, which was a very pleasant experience.”
Balazs moved to Meade in the 1970s, and Kundig came here often as a teenager.
“I spent a lot of time swimming in streams,” Kundig recalled. “I was surrounded by the beauty of the area, Harold’s art and character.”
The impression Balázs left on the adolescent Kundig was his never-ending motivation.
“What I saw in Mead was a tireless person,” Kundig said. “He was passionate about his art and willing to put in endless hours. I learned from him that when things get bad, that’s when you put your heart into your work and fight hard. Throughout my career, I had to do that a lot.”
Kundig recalled that he was deeply impressed by Balazs’s outlook on life.
“Harold was an optimist, and it’s not easy when you’re doing art because your soul is constantly being crushed. But you have to work through it,” Kundig said.
Kundig’s work ethic was influenced by his father, who died at 98.
“He’s a great guy,” Kundig said. “He was just different from Harold, who was an extrovert. My father was an introvert, but in recent years I’ve enjoyed talking to him because we spoke as architects to architects, colleagues to colleagues Have a conversation.
“This was the end of an era for my father. He died peacefully in his sleep, and that was the path he wanted to take. But he lived a long and fulfilling life.”
Kundig was born and raised in the Manitou Park area. When he went to college, his father built a house on South Hill near the Perry Street Stairs.
“I’m always happy to be home,” Kundig said. “The great thing is, it’s always just on the other side of the state. When I come back, I get to see my dad and Harold.”
Kundig plans to return frequently to visit the Balazs artwork at the MAC.
“I will always be a strong supporter of the MAC,” Kundig said. “This is especially true of Harold’s art. Everyone should experience what he did. His work at the MAC is incredible.”
The MAC collection features Balazs’ “Trying to Understand,” a groundbreaking 96-inch-tall sculpture created from the artist’s graphite-coated Styrofoam base. Another unnamed sculpture is carved from lead. Balazs’ industrial background inspired him to use inexpensive materials not commonly used by other artists.
“Leaving Traces” is divided into three parts. “Constructed Reality”, “Creation/Life” and “Beyond Bullshit”.
“Constructed Reality” outlines Balazs’ industrial roots. Making Life explores how Balazs draws inspiration from everyday life. “Beyond” talks about Balazs’ philosophical side as well as his playfulness.
“Harold’s job is unique,” Kundig said.
Kundig will also return to the Inland Northwest to restore his father’s cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
“It’s beautiful there,” Kundig said. “When I come back, a lot of great memories will come to mind.”
Things are different now than they were a few months after Kundig graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1972. As Kundig drives east on Interstate 90, Seattle occasionally appears in the rearview mirror.
“I think my life is complete,” Kundig said.
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