The Alchemy of the Everyday: The Art of Willie Leroy Cole In the hands of Willie Leroy Cole, a discarded object is never merely refuse; it is a vessel of latent potential, waiting to be awakened. Born in 1955 in Somerville, New Jersey, and later finding his creative footing in Newark, Cole has emerged as a profound voice in contemporary sculpture and assemblage. He describes himself through a series of evocative titles—perceptual engineer, ecological mechanic, and transformer—roles that perfectly encapsulate his ability to manipulate the physical world. His practice is a masterful exercise i…