THE ART OF JIM WEITZEL
WINGS. SCULPTURE. FURNITURE.
What it’s all about
Artist Statement
I have a great interest in art history and use references of past artists in my work, such as the found object as part of the Dada movement. The works of Picasso and David Smith, along with ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian art, these are all part of my language. I also have a deep interest in Native American art and that of other indigenous peoples. What I find so appealing in this is that the goal of the art is to create a connection with the spirit world and the objects are vehicles to that end. I want my work to be more than just object, to have a deeper meaning, that connects us to a spiritual life and to our fellow man.
Much of my work includes found objects, such as boiler pipe and pre-cut steel shapes. I use these objects to build my forms, adding wood to each piece to build a richness of color and texture. I am exploring the plasticity of steel and the ways in which I can make it feel as if it is another type of material not quite identifiable.
Sculpture series
“The Guardians”
These welded steel sculptures are a part of a series of work I call “The Guardians”. These works are figurative in nature although highly abstract with the inclusion of faces on each piece lending that human touch and giving them each a unique personality. They also have bird and animal like qualities which are elements that indigenous cultures often mix with human features when describing spirit and mythic creatures.
“Inuit Spirit”
“Dream State”
“shaman”
Sculpture Series
“Wings”
My current series of sculptures are wings in various sizes all made of thick sculpted copper, with steel, wood and sometimes leather additions. They also evoke native people’s art along with Christian thoughts of Angels. As with previous works these too have similar influences and goals. In my continuing efforts to create art that has more to say than just object. I hope that my work will be viewed as a new archaeological discovery.
“Honor”
“Fly”
Butterfly with cubic zirconia
Location
The Studio
Jim’s artwork comes from his home studio in Rutherford County, North Carolina, USA, situated in the beautiful foothills the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains.
“In my continuing efforts to create art that has more to say than just object. I hope that my work will be viewed as a new archaeological discovery.”
