One afternoon after completing a piece, I stood back and really looked at it. I couldn't believe that I created something so simple and beautiful. I was hooked. Another unexpected plus to the sculptures are the line shadows on the wall when the light hits them. It gives the art an added dimension.
People tell me that they are captured by the movement and energy. That's because the curves that I use help to define where the figure might have shading or movement. It's also important to design the piece using a solid strand of wire. This keep's the sculpture smooth.
Last year, the judge at a local art show asked what led me to wire sculpting. I was influenced by an artist from Texas. I saw his work and was entranced by it. Shortly after consulting with him, I began to develop my own technique and style. To this day, I'm still fascinated by the simplicity of the finished work.
I'm constantly looking for ways to express the essence of an experience. If I had to say who inspired that in me, the first would have to be my grandmama "Classy." Who put up with the relentless imagination of a creative grandchild, and who ended every visit with "see ya in the funny papers!"
The second person is my uncle "John Allen"(who is probably proofing this for typos and punctuation) told me "at a young age" to be the best at whatever I decided to do.
Lastly, is author W.E.B. DuBois. I read a passage once (that just stuck with me) from one of his books. It talked about the responsibility of an artist to create from our own experiences.
Everyone has a God given talent to shape something ordinary into the extraordinary. Just believe that you can. To this day, these are the influences I draw from. Oh- and no matter what, NEVER QUIT.
I've been creative...
for as long as I can remember. I remember drawing on our white walls with my crayons as a child.
Around the age of twelve I spent an entire paycheck ($65) to make hand-painted polyester centerpieces and sold them door to door in our neighborhood. My greatest childhood invention was probably "duct taped shoes" I wrapped an entire pair of shoes in silver duct tape and wore them to school. I thought they were awesome until one day a classmate jokingly took up a collection for me to buy real shoes. (The experience taught me that creativity has profit potential).
After serving in the military in 1991, I worked as an artist for over seven years, and opened my own design business in 2005. My experience includes working as a graphic designer for local companies, after completing an associates in art degree at Waubonsee Community College in 1992 and finishing a design and art curriculum at Columbia College Chicago in 1993.
Along with being commisioned by local and out-of-state clients, we're also on commission thru local artisan shops. What does the future hold? I'm working on wire sketches that convey a thoughtful message. I'll let you know how it turns out.
