METL:ART!

Running with the Big Dogs!

2011-11-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

I was pinching myself (to see if I was dreaming) as Joyce and I arrived at remarkable Rosenbaum Contemporary in Boca Raton, FL. I feel honored to be included in this outstanding gallery. We were delivering 5 of my sculptures to add to their museum quality artworks. I believe Captured Flight compliments Hanneke Beaumont's sculpture; wouldn't you agree?

A smooth landing on Cape Cod for Standing Flight

2011-09-04T21:10:00.001-04:00

Just received this photo of my sculpture Standing Flight taken in its new home on Cape Cod. This gift was given by a discernible art aficionado.

Boy that guy has good taste...IMHO!

A New Hospital Installation

2011-04-08T18:13:00.003-04:00

Art consultant, Leslie Watkins of Art Partnership, just sent a photo of the piece I created for the new Kennedy Health System in New Jersey. This is the first time I have used 3 sawblades in one sculpture.

A-MAZ-ING

2011-01-08T17:01:00.002-05:00

I wanted to show you how the sawblades look before they are cut apart.

This pair will be part of a sculpture which will be installed in New Jersey later this winter.

My Process:

First I used soapstone which can be easily erased while I am creating the desired look. Then I outline the design with a magic marker for steel which allow me to see the image as I cut it out with my plasma cutter.

When I look at them, it still amazes me how they stay together after cutting!

New Installation brings Happiness

2010-11-15T14:00:00.004-05:00

Both the customer and The Alchemist were smiling once the sculpture was installed in their entryway.

This is the first residential installation of a 47" Captured Flight. Previously, one was purchased by Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and two others are currently in sculpture exhibits; one in Boston and the other in Pennsylvania

Wind Through The Trees

2010-10-08T18:39:00.006-04:00

The Jenkins Arborteum and Gardens in Devon, PA threw a beautiful open house for over 350 guests. My sculpture "Captured Flight" was sited perfectly for this exhibition which will run through June, 2011. Our hosts, Marilyn Sifford and Bob Butera made our stay in the "City of Brotherly Love" very enjoyable. On Sunday we joined them at the Barnes Museum to view the most amazing collection of Impressionist art we've ever seen.

"Neighbors" made friends in Lenoir, NC

2010-09-13T16:43:00.011-04:00

...My new sculpture "Neighbors" was well received at the 25th Sculpture Celebration which opened on 9/11 in Lenoir. I was gratified by the wonderful comments and the connection I felt with those attending this exhibit. This is a maquette (sculptor’s small preliminary model) for a 20’ tall sculpture and the first in a series I am creating which deals with “Man’s Inhumanity to Man." I used 1/4" stainless for the Star of David, brass for the Crescent Moon and copper for the Cross. My goal is to find a home for the full sized sculpture where it can be viewed by a diverse population.

A Leaf Grows in Asheville

2010-07-01T12:30:00.006-04:00

The leaf I created for the Handmade Design Expo at the NC Arboretum was purchased by an art collector in Asheville.

Banned in Boston??? NOT

2010-06-19T18:51:00.003-04:00

Even though the weather was a typical Spring day in Boston, it didn't "rain on my parade". The location of my sculptures was perfecto! We had a nice turnout of family, friends, and art lovers for the opening event of the Boston HarborArts International Exhibit.

The Public Has a Right to Know

2010-05-27T12:21:00.003-04:00

Karen Elliot and her "Southern Accents" crew did a wonderful job creating

this segment

which is now airing on PBS affiliates not only in this region, but as far as Montana in the West and PA in the East. In a short period of time, they included a lot of information (about ME, ME, ME - The Alchemist)

as well as many photos of my sculptures.

LOOK who rolled into Salisbury, NC

2010-04-06T19:21:00.006-04:00

Last week Joyce & I attended the opening of Salisbury's 2010 Sculpture Show "Discover What's Outside" A Toy for Sisyphus can be discovered in this great location! More photos and info on this exhibit appeared in SalisburyPost.com

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS in "Our State"

2010-02-28T05:57:00.013-05:00

"I love this sculpture. The artist wrought magic, making metal look almost like lace."

This is part of an article written by Chip Womick in the March issue of Our State Magazine about the new terrain of Asheboro.

The only sculpture pictured was ..... you guessed...MINE! Once again "Circulus" strikes gold.

The Alchemist was Scene on 7

2010-01-20T12:07:00.005-05:00

Last night Channel 7 News aired a segment called COOL JOBS during the "Scene on 7" show. Don't fret if you missed it, you can still see it live...sort of...by following the link! Pretty awesome to have such a cooool job. Jamarcus did an amazing job on this piece, truly a reporter who is going places.

Lights...Camera...ACTION!

2009-11-19T06:59:00.008-05:00

The PBS station out of Chattanooga, TN was here recently to interview The Alchemist for their show “Southern Accents.” The show airs on the following stations: Tennessee PBS statewide Alabama PBS statewide APT IQ West Virginia PBS statewide WVPBS.2 North Carolina PBS statewide UNC-NC New Jersey Network PBS statewide NJN2 Kentucky PBS statewide – two channels South Carolina statewide - SC Channel Moline, IL- WQPT East Lansing, MI - WKAR Bozeman, MT - KUSM Hershey, PA - PPTN Tampa, Fl – WUSF Houston, TX – digital PBS station. I’ll post the link once the show is on their website.

Selective Cutting Wins One For Me and The Environment

2009-11-10T20:07:00.008-05:00

Developers, at times, miss the mark and do not respect the quantum leap between selective vs. clear cutting. As stewards of terra firma, selective is the only way to go to minimize our impact. I transformed a 52" saw blade which I found on one of my interesting junkyard excursion into this work of art which took a ribbon.

WNC link

2009-10-02T21:27:00.004-04:00

The WNC magazine online edition is now available, so you can click on this link to see the Artist Profile article. Here's a sneak peak of Joe Mulligan's amazing photographs.

The Alchemist Strikes Gold

2009-09-29T22:53:00.003-04:00

Good things come to those who wait. The October issue of WNC Magazine just hit the stands and I am thrilled! Why you ask??? Each issue contains an Artist Profile and this month I'm the featured artist. Kiesa Kay, a true wordsmith, interviewed me earlier this year and wrote this outstanding article. Her partner, Joe Mulligan's, cool photos are included.

THEY'RE DONE !!!

2009-08-22T14:34:00.004-04:00

My dear Joyster has been on my case for 2 years to replace the dilapidated wooden railings with a RJB Original. Good thing I listened, her idea hit the mark....again!

USA Today Online

2009-07-08T11:49:00.006-04:00

I'm so excited! I was interviewed by a writer a week ago about my experience as an artist who has exhibited and sold art in an airport. The article came out today, and includes a photo of my sculpture! I'm still pinching myself about my good fortune. here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/kjfeq3

Look What Blew into Chicago

2009-05-24T08:14:00.006-04:00

Captured Flight landed in Elmhurst at my daughter's newly renovated home. Joyce and I were happy to see my sculpture hanging front and center in their living room. Jen, Jake and our grandchildren Hannah and Will were thrilled with our house warming gift.

Looking Sweet in Sweetwater, TN

2009-05-24T07:18:00.001-04:00

Best wishes to Susan Morris and her knowledgeable staff on the re-opening of her expanded gallery in Sweetwater. I'm pleased have my sculpture represented by this gallery.

WNC link

2009-04-19T10:41:00.007-04:00

here is the link for the WNC online edition! and a sneak peak of the photos

it's BEEEAUUUUTIFUL!

2009-01-12T20:00:00.007-05:00

This enthusiastic comment from a client on Cape Cod brought a BIG smile to my face! Creating a coffee table using my designs and her vision moved me into a new territory of functional art. The pictures tell the story. The set below is before being powdercoated bronze; above is the completed table in her home.

Public Art Acquisition

2008-12-04T18:58:00.003-05:00

I was recently notified by the NC Arboretum in Asheville of their desire to add my two luminaries to their permanent collection!

Circulus is Circulating!

2008-11-17T18:14:00.005-05:00

Circulus is on the road again headed to Asheboro, NC for the 4th Annual Downtown Sculpture Exhibition. The show will open January, 2009 and run through April, 2010. This is the third juried show for Circulus, I am very proud of "him". Good Job!

Location, Location, Location

2008-11-16T09:40:00.006-05:00

You can imagine how excited I was to see so many of my sculptures in the gallery window at the Asheville Airport show opening. The frosting on the cake? Being greeted with the news that one of my pieces sold before the show even opened!

2008 HandMade House at The Ramble

2008-10-19T08:23:00.005-04:00

I’m thrilled to be included in this unique project. This is the first time 100% of the handcrafted home furnishings and design elements have been created by North Carolina artisans for a model home. Four of my sculptures were selected for The Ramble project. I have also been added to the HandMade in America Artists Registry

Art is Airport Bound

2008-10-18T08:21:00.007-04:00

Just received news that my sculpture has been accepted for a three month exhibit at the Asheville Airport gallery. They've chosen 6 pieces for the show which will run from November 14, 2008 through March 4, 2009. I'll take some picture of the exhibit next month. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak of "Luminary".

Three for Three

2008-10-01T08:57:00.003-04:00

It doesn’t get any better than that! My sculpture “A Toy for Sisyphus” was chosen to be included in this years RiverSculpture show at Reynolds Mountain, which runs from 9/27/08 until 1/5/09.

Upstairs Gallery

2008-10-01T08:23:00.004-04:00

Mountain Sculptors put on a super show at the Upstairs Gallery in Tryon, NC. I had six pieces included, one being placed front and center in the gallery window. Most Cool!

Hurray for Holly

2008-09-29T14:26:00.005-04:00

Last week Tom Elfers (from Ornametals fame) and I installed our collaborative piece in the NC Arboretum in Asheville. It will be part of their permanent art collection. It was my first commissioned piece of public art

Holy Toledo

2008-08-03T07:32:00.005-04:00

I don’t believe the Toledo Torch Co. envisioned their pots ever being recycled into metal sculpture. You can see a "before" picture in my April 20th post. I had lots of fun creating this gift for my wife's garden. We bought some citronella oil and fired it up. Works great and casts wonderful shadows.

Kudos for Sherry

2008-07-02T16:50:00.005-04:00

Sherry Masters put together a great “Sculpture for the Garden” exhibition now going on at the Grovewood Gallery & continuing through December. I’m pleased to have my “Portals” and A Toy for Sisyphus included in the show.

Another Opening .... Another Show

2008-05-18T19:46:00.008-04:00

Joyce and I received a warm reception at the ART Sandy Springs opening in Atlanta, GA. My piece was placed next to the window at the town library where it will remain for one year along with the other 10 sculptures chosen for this exhibit. It was gratifying to receive all the nice comments from those in attendance. Talk about the "frosting on the cake"...they used the design of my sculpture for the brochure covers. If you'd like to see the brochure, follow the link above.

Anybody Remember Smudge Pots?

2008-04-20T19:18:00.004-04:00

I spied these little beauties at the salvage yard (politically correct for JUNKYARD) and my cranium cried out "What the bleep can I do with these?" My lovely wife has already put dibs on a few for her garden! I better stake my claim fast before they disappear.

A Harrowing Experience

2008-04-03T15:50:00.005-04:00

In keeping with my desire of recycling found steel objects, my good friend and fellow sculptor, Steve Sane, gave me this steel harrow disc to play with! The finished art (22" diameter) certainly stands on its own and can be either a decorative piece or functional art.

Sculpture TO GO

2008-04-02T09:16:00.003-04:00

My latest piece was made from a portable air tank. After designing and cutting, I realized how perfect the ready made handle and legs would be. The name was a natural! Our society is so “to go” driven. From food to drugs, it’s all To Go. Maybe it’s all gone tooooo far?

I Have Georgia on My Mind!

2008-03-22T14:01:00.001-04:00

Why you ask? I’ve been invited to participate in the Sandy Springs’ inaugural public art project, ARTSS In The Open. I am in the process of creating my sculpture which is approximately 5’7” high x 36” diameter. This is going to be a show stopper, IMHO. I will be sure to post a photo of the complete piece with more info about the show.

Buoy Revisited - A Toy for Sisyphus

2008-03-17T11:26:00.003-04:00

Here’s what happened when I unleashed my creativity and the power of a plama cutter on one of my Maine treasures. I’ve entered it into several juried shows and will keep you posted when I hear good news!

Standing Flight

2008-03-12T08:48:00.007-04:00

Standing Flight was the third piece included in the Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit at the NC Arboretum in Asheville. I've created the Standing Flight series in three heights ranging from 36" to 73" high. The one shown here is 64" high.

News Flash - Asheville, NC

2008-03-12T08:19:00.006-04:00

I just received notification from The NC Arboretum Society they’ve accepted 3 of my sculptures for inclusion in their Kaleidoscope – Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit. They will be provide interior lights for the two Luminaries and install them at the entrance to their main building. The exhibit consists of 17 sculptures and will run from April 1 through October 31, 2008.

Unveiled in Richmond, VA

2008-01-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

The couple who purchased this sculpture for their elegant home in the historic Fan district, were as delighted to see it installed as we were. It is gratifying to have my art fan out into another State. What a great way to start off a new year. As a perk for delivering this sculpture, the couple prepared a fabulous New Year's Day feast which included herb grilled red snapper, cheese grits and baked sweet potato cuboids. We also stopped in for tapas at "Si" a new restaurant in town.

A Maze in Steel

2007-12-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

This saw blade has a 52” diameter and is 1/8” thick. First I draw my design with soapstone, like chalk it is easy to erase, until I get a design I like. Once I am happy with the design, I go over it with a permanent marker for steel. Now I am ready to proceed with my plasma cutter, which slices through steel like budda!

my great score

2007-11-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

On our trip North we drove over 3,300 miles visiting family, finding saw blades, and searching for the elusive buoys. After a year of research, the score was found way down east in Maine. They are identical to the one I found on Cape Cod and used to create my sculpture which is shown on my Sept. 28th entry.

opening reception at New Bern, NC

2007-11-04T21:51:00.000-05:00

The Craven Arts Council really knows how to throw a party! This week, I moved my Circulus sculpture from the River Sculpture festival in Ashville to New Bern, NC where it will be on exhibit until Sept. 08. I feel honored to have my work included in this international show. The juror, Carla Hanzal, Curator of Contemporary Art, the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte, NC, selected 10 pieces from 80 entries for this year's outdoor show. I enjoyed talking with the other artists during the weekend events.

I'm on a Roll

2007-10-06T14:53:00.001-04:00

I'm excited! I just heard my sculpture has been sold to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center on Long Island, NY and will travel there when the River Sculpture Festival closes.

Washington, DC

2007-09-29T17:58:00.000-04:00

You may notice the smile on my face as I stand next to my sculpture which was in the Tri-State Sculptors exhibit at Washington Square. After the show closed it was delivered to the buyer, an art enthusiast in Chevy Chase, MD.

Cape Cod Buoy

2007-09-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

The first large piece I tackled, entitled "Buoy", was accepted into the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition. This exhibit will continue until March 28, 2008 and is located in the Riverfront Park, North Charleston, SC. A buoy I discovered on the Cape Cod shoreline about 18 years ago was used to create this piece in 2004.

Captured Flight overlooks Asheville, NC

2007-09-24T08:05:00.000-04:00

This is another in my Flight Series which was taken with the Asheville Skyline in the background and is part my art for sale in the Grovewood Gallery.

Captured Flight Sculpture

2007-09-23T20:58:00.000-04:00

This is a 52" steel sawblade is part of my Flight Series and will be on view at the River Sculpture Festival until October 31st. It has been captured by a found metal band.

Tara - Goddess of Compassion

2007-09-23T20:53:00.001-04:00

The Cilla Vee – Life Arts presented a Motion Sculpture Movement Installation by Claire Barratt entitled TARA – GODDESS OF COMPASSION. Words cannot describe this spectacular 1 1/2 hour continuous performance installation which was inspired by my sculpture “Captured Flight” Don't miss other RiverSculpture Festival events.

RiverSculpture Exhibition in Asheville, NC

2007-09-23T08:33:00.000-04:00

The RiverSculpture Exhibit will be open from September 1st through October 31st this year. I had two pieces accepted this year, Circulus and Captured Flight. Circulus will be traveling to New Bern, NC for the Craven Arts Council exhibit on November 1st.