Inherent Volition, Knowing In Action: Sculptures By James Garvey

What is the inspiration for these early sculptures? As a freshman in Mechanical Engineering, I was required to take a course in humanities. Each time we met, we discussed a new page of Hamlet. The writing resonates in the realm of collective intelligence; it is like the Gettysburg Address, or the Declaration of Independence, “These truths are self evident…” Shakespeare inspired me to respect sentient intelligence that can be perceived by any person, apart from academics or wealth.

Reading Shakespeare is like going on a campout; everyone at the campsite appreciates a campfire when the night comes. Using secular language there is a visceral affect that is able to awaken a presence of wonder. I felt that I was a kin; I knew where the work came from in Shakespeare’s writing. I went to many art exhibits; only one piece had such a connection. I became convinced that I can create objects that resonate as strong as the work of Shakespeare because it would come from the same place.

What is constant? There is an attention fueled by interest that is accessing a large map of impressions stored in my mind. An anonymous wit is functioning as my inner browser; then, there is a form idea that comes to mind.

Most of these pieces are made  at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1974 to 1985. I received attention from Mrs. Louise March; a teacher for a rigorous program of self development. I believe she was extraordinarily patient with me; she made it possible for me to have time and a place to develop a “way to work”.

In 1885, Mrs. March suggested that I go to NYC; I began work at the Statue of Liberty. She took full credit for any contribution I may have made to keep the project on schedule during the replication of the armature bars. Liberty Star was conceived and built while I was working at the Statue; after work, I was a participant at the Athena Foundation, a studio opportunity conceived by Marc DiSuvero for emerging sculptors.

Liberty Star was conceived and built while I was working at the Statue; after work, I was a participant at the Athena Foundation, a studio opportunity conceived by Marc DiSuvero for emerging sculptors.

Attention Star was a breakthrough conceived twenty-two years after the start of the Star Series. I was sitting with Barbara and Tammy waiting for a Kirosawa Movie to begin at the Film Forum.

 

James Garvey’s training includes Colorado State University and ten years as head of Blacksmithing at the Rochester Folk Art Guild. He has over 100,000 hours as a professional artist blacksmith working in New York with an open-hearth forge.  He has designed and built public commissions in Manhattan including MTA Percent for Art works at two subway stations, The School of Spirits Doors at the Dwight School in Manhattan, The Lariat Rustic Rail in Central Park, The Lariat Street Furniture for Coenties Slip Park in Lower Manhattan.  He has completed design/build contracts for corporate entities such as: Ogilvy Mather Advertising Corporation, Martin-Marietta Honeywell Corporation, and Firmdale Hotels from United Kingdom. Since 2003, he continues as full time artist blacksmith and as a part time instructor of the Sculpture, ‘forging class’ for the Art Students League of New York, at the Vytlacil Campus.