How would you describe your work to a novice collector, or someone new to the art world?

The works are playful and life-like, encouraging a closer look which will reveal a unique layering of textures, materials and forms. I am intrigued with mixing materials, some natural and some man-made. My work is about taking a deeper look at the natural world and recognize our deep connection and relationship to it.

What is an Art Book that has influenced your work?

There are quite a few books, and the most memorable is the first time I saw that coffee table book by Andy Goldsworthy: A Collaboration with Nature. I remember when a friend showed it to me I was so excited to make things, I went for a walk and started stacking rocks and digging holes. It really showed me that art is not only an idea, but also the acts of seeing, feeling, of getting in the mud and having the whole thing fall apart. If I get bummed about making something I turn to that book. When I need inspiration to draw, I find my copy of Henry Moore’s sheep sketches. The line drawings in there are so full of life.

When did you know that you were an artist?

In sixth grade an art teacher connected me with a classic figurative sculptor in Boston. I was able to do a work-study project with him;  I loved working for him, learning, and being in his studio. From then on all my life plans included the goal of making more sculpture. Whether is was go-carts, rock piles or plates of steel, I have always wanted to re-shape them and make them into something else with my hands.

How do you continue to stay inspired – do you have a daily desire to create?

I always try to work with new objects, new materials and new subject mater. With each piece I grow and learn. I am experimenting all the time. I love finding new objects or collecting unusual pieces of wood that will inspire some new creature. Often I think of things that I would like to make just as I am about to fall asleep. I usually jump up and sketch out the shapes quickly or else it morphs overnight into something completely different, or gets lost entirely.

What other surprising occupation have you had?

I have not had too many interesting jobs besides making sculpture. Growing up I did many jobs in the construction industry and I have renovated a few houses on my own. One of my favorite jobs was working ski patrol when I first moved to New Mexico. I loved that job but did not have the time to keep it. One of the most satisfying parts was learning that the support one can provide to people in need, even limited to stabilizing and transporting, all that is allowed as an EMT, does a lot to help injured people in crisis to feel better.

How do you want your collectors to feel when they engage with your work?

I know that every viewer will relate in a different way. My real hope is that the works evoke multiple feelings. Every person will see differently and from a different light. Sometimes a work can look sharp and angry, and at other times the same piece can seem soft and life like. It is the same phenomenon as when a word loses its meaning by being repeated over and over; after a long time of looking at my sculpture, the subject might fade and morph so people might relate more to the materials, colors and negative spaces.

I am as happy when people articulate to me why they do not like my sculpture as when they like it.  All successful sculpture will inspire criticism as well as praise. To provoke a response, to inspire thought, feelings, questions and controversy through creation is always a goal.

 

Tags: Abstract sculpture, Horse sculpture, James Burnes, Jamie Burnes, New Mexico Artist, outdoor sculpture
Posted in Gallery Insights