Artist Statement

I have been welding steel for over thirty-five years.  In the early phase of my explorations, I was fascinated with the power of the process.  The capability of permanently joining two pieces of steel was, and still is exhilarating.  Also, the extendibility of the material in space, as well as its abundance in countless variety continues to intrigue.  Steel certainly is a product of the industrial age, yet it can be many things.  Light, airy forms, heavy architectural shapes, and sensuous organic forms are all possible.  I believe it is the great variety of forms that I can collect as part of my visual vocabulary, as well as forms I can fabricate in the studio, that continue to interest me.  It is the unification of these forms into a complete interconnected sculpture that I am attempting to accomplish.

These sculptures are made of welded and painted steel.  They have evolved from an extended series of pieces concerned with fences and barriers, both real and metaphoric, to a series of what I call urban totemic markers and signs.  In addition to this, I have become interested in tools as forms bearing both functional and esthetic qualities, and have begun to incorporate them into some recent work.  I have attempted, in these works, to integrate the forms (such as pitchfork tines, roto-tiller blades, and various hooks) into the pieces so that they take on the nature of the overall form of the sculpture, without intruding upon it.  I also introduce color into the sculpture when the material suggests that the form may be enhanced or made more articulate.  In a parallel exploration, I have been making wall-relief sculptures utilizing some of these concepts, with the addition of architectural elements which I have long admired, such as capitals, lintels and the like.  I am also working on a continuing series of collages utilizing classical architectural elements contrasted with found popular imagery. 

EDUCATION

M.F.A., University of Oregon, Eugene, OR.  June, 1967.                           

B.S. Art, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant MI, January, 1965

 PRESENT POSITION

 Professor, Dept. of Art, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX.  September, 1977--present.

 RECENT EXHIBITIONS

 “Totems &Markers, Studies in Steel”  ArtCentre of Plano,  February 27 through March 21, 2004.

 “Contemporary Sculpture,” invitational exhibit.  Whatley Performing Arts Center, Northeast Texas Community College, Mt. Pleasant, TX.  October 4--November 7, 2003.

 “Connections 2003,” juried show, Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas TX.  August 23--September 13, 2003

 “Outside the Lines,” juried regional.  Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas, TX.  July 6--August 3, 2002.

 “Integrations,” Texas Sculpture Assn. Invitational.  Plano Arts Centre, Plano. TX.  April 20--June 15, 2002.

 “Connections 2002”, juried regional.  Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas, TX.  March 29--April 20, 2002.

 “Critic’s Choice,” juried regional.  Dallas Visual Arts Center, Dallas, TX.  June 15--August 24, 2001.

 “Connections,” juried show.  Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas, TX.  June 1--23, 2001.

 “Sculptural Syncretism,” invitational exhibition.  Collin County Community College, Plano, TX.  October 24--November 15, 2000.

  “Critic’s Choice,” juried regional. Dallas Visual Arts Center, Dallas, TX.  June 16--August 18, 2000.

 “Meyerson 2000,” juried.  Mezzanine, Morton Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas TX.  June 22—July 13, 2000.

 EXHIBITION HISTORY

                My work has been exhibited on a regional and national basis since 1968.  I have participated in over 60 juried shows, about 30 invitational exhibitions, and have had approximately 20 one-man shows.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

                I have given several workshops, some of which involved permanent installations; have installed two site-specific outdoor pieces; and have participated in two lengthy symposia during summer months.  I belong to appropriate professional organizations (International Sculpture Center, Texas Sculpture Association, etc.) and participate in conferences, exhibitions, and meetings.

 RECENT PUBLICATION

 “Sculpture” magazine, Focus article, Jerry Dodd, “Menace Plus Charm” September issue, 2000.