Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sunday Art Review: Marvelous Metals

Welcome to another installment of the Sunday Art Review. Today's focus is on the use of metals in art. It's a surprisingly common medium used in contemporary art, for a variety of reasons. People often dismiss metals as being "too cold", lacking feeling or depth, but I have found several examples that demonstrate the versatility of this medium. Depending on when you read this, I hope you can relax with a nice cup of coffee, a Bloody Mary or a glass of wine as you check out this week's collection of art. The featured piece here is called "Dancing Fire" by accomplished metal artist John Searles. I like this piece in particular, because of the wonderful shape and color. It actually makes me happy inside when I look at it, which is why I have made it the feature of today's Sunday Art Review: Marvelous Metals.

above: "Barnyard: a simple, yet sweet piece that evokes a sense of Americana.

above: "Roadrunner on the Go". A three dimensional piece, bringing the piece to life. You can see the roadrunners feet extending beyond the wood mount panel.
above: no title. I've been saving this photo for awhile, it is a metal sculpture from on board the Dawn Princess cruise ship. I love how the artist used beautiful curves and angles.

above: "Red Leather". This red-metal piece has wonderful depth and warmth to it. My apologies for such a poor quality of the image.

above: "Badge of Honor". I like the depth of this piece, and the use of color and texture effect with enamel on metal. Did any one of these catch your eye today? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you look at it? As always, thanks for stopping by, I very much appreciate it!
-Rick Rockhill
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12 comments:

  1. Diane J StandifordApril 27, 2008 at 2:18 AM

    No title on a cruise...a beautiful woman preparing to dance. I love art in metals.

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  2. kenjuApril 27, 2008 at 8:10 AM

    I am surprised at the variety of feelings that can be evoked from metals used in different ways. I like the top one. It reminds me of some hip hop dancers poses.

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  3. LilianApril 27, 2008 at 8:34 AM

    My favorite: Dancing Fire by John Searles, of course! It makes you think, and stirs up thoughts. "Kenju", above, said dancers' poses, you said it makes you happy, I just feel very comfortable looking at the shape of a suggested fire flame, it's relaxing... But, objectively is also well proportioned, imaginative, and beautiful. Rick, thanks for the Art Reviews on Sundays!! FYI, the Philadelphia Art Museum has a great exhibit on Frida Kahlo these days...

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  4. OldLady Of The HillsApril 27, 2008 at 9:18 AM

    I LOVE Sculpture of any kind Rick....I have quite a few pieces---Some Metal, and some made pf other mediums--Like wood. Maybe one day I will take some pictures of some of the different pieces I have and post them....I have always been partial to Organic Shapes.....

    Thanks for your kind words about my photos of the Birds....I very much enjoy photographing these delightful creatures....They are Living Sculpture!

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  5. AnonymousApril 27, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    I think I like the last one, "badge" best. I had a lapel pin like it once!

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  6. whimsical brainpanApril 27, 2008 at 1:45 PM

    The texture of "Roadrunner on the Go" is wonderful!

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  7. Hale McKayApril 27, 2008 at 2:56 PM

    I like the "roadrunner" piece a lot. Great post that shows the variety of art.

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  8. limeApril 27, 2008 at 5:04 PM

    i like the fluidity of dancing fire and the varying textures of the roadrunner. thanks for sharing:)

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  9. CRUSTY MOM-EApril 28, 2008 at 5:07 AM

    you can tell I'm "a mom," the Red Leather to me read, LEGO'S!!!

    Always,
    E

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  10. Desert SongbirdApril 28, 2008 at 5:19 PM

    I thought the same thing about the Red Leather - Legos.

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  11. Tea N. CrumpetMay 1, 2008 at 12:29 PM

    I like Badge of Honor best, Rick.It reminds me of Martha Graham dancing for some reason. She may have used something like this as a background in one of her dances or maybe it reminds me of one of her costumes.

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  12. OliviaMay 2, 2008 at 6:04 PM

    I like the Dancing Fire. It reminds me of the Gene Kelly/Cyd Charisse Dream Sequence dance in "Singin' in the Rain".

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Thank you kindly.