Montgomery, James

Artist Statement
By choosing the medium of steel I am able to create in a 3-Dimensional view by using multiple formed pieces to construct full bodied and layered effects to compliment an intended composition. Steel is a non-forgiving medium which requires a lot of “working” to cut, shape and temper into form. These sculptures require a “blacksmithing” heat and hammer to start, an artist with an eye to arrange the image and a delicate touch of a fine air brush painter to bring the work to it’s completed creation so that it may hold emotion and beauty in form. Incorporating wood with the steel brings texture and complimenting elements together for a pleasing combination.

Creative, 3-Dimensional, Hand Crafted steel and wood sculptures

There are numerous stages of creation that goes into every sculpture as they are each one of a kind with no mass production intentions. My favorite tool is the hand held plasma cutter, allowing freedom to first draw then cut the steel with a fluid inner guidance and compassion for the metal working. The uniqueness of these sculptures is attributed to the depth, color and realism that is layered by numerous formed pieces. A strict attention to hiding the welds is utilized as each separate puzzle part is set in place. The process of cutting by hand, grinding in the flat position, then pressing, forming and hammering the edges all contribute to a smooth and realistic creation. A certain gas with flame control produces the steel tempered colors prior to the masking off of sections and then applying the airbrushed enamels really makes the sculptures come to life. To preserve the sculptures a heavy mil coating of a catalyzing, two part polyurethane seals the entire creation for longevity and UV protection.

Inspiration for this work comes from Nature’s presence, energy and creations. Pristine shapes and space that touches all of our lives and survives in a world of their own at times. My intention with art is to inspire and remind ourselves of the nurturing enviroment so we may give time to reflect on Nature with awe and care.

My indiviual hurdles and obstacles have always been evident through this Art Path. An observance of these “blocks” have dissolved whenever I honor the art process and move aside to allow a gentle and compassionate Life Force to do It’s will, not mine. A trail of specific sculpted works have humbled me to my knees, yet lifted my heart up to share these works with You.

Experience and adore Nature’s presence and energy to be forever free to reflect and dream.

About James Montgomery
Born in Lima, Peru in 1960, moving to Hilo, Hawaii at the age of four was true joy. As a child being nurtured and taught the true meaning of “Ohana” (family) with a heart felt “Aloha” (to love, have compassion, respect). With Nature in all its forms and characters, Hawaii was a teacher of serenity, worlds of beauty, energy and appreciation for wildlife and their habitat. Experiences with family, teachers and friends that will last an eternity.

Receiving the Art Award out of my 1978 graduating class was truely a blessing. Continuing my education brought me to Oregon and graduated from OIT with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1985. Employed in the Portland area as a Product Development Engineer provided a creative and skillful outlet. I established Nature’s Steel Sculptures in 1998 as a passion for art and the desire to express myself through the medium of steel /wood sculpture, using the techniques and styles collected since early childhood. The early years where filled by a few shows/festivals a year, gallery positions while maintaining a full time employment. In 1999, a few crisis’s turned into opportunities and the chance to pursue the dream of Art on a full time basis was enacted. Through the years I’ve acquired and experienced many of Oregons natural wonders. My freinds and I have combined two passions; skin diving and oregon inland waters by snorkeling, appreciating and floating down streams helping to inspire the details to many of the sculptures. “Art allows healing through expression and encourages others to do it as well.”

Artist Highlights -

• Only a select group of Oregon/Washington galleries carry these sculptured works.
• Continuing to present this art at multiple festivals and shows per year for the joy of creating a full circle connection between the art, artist and the beholder.
• Grade school through high school presentations with full display of personal and other stone, bronze and carved wood art. A sculpture “How to” discussion and a heavy encouragement to creat art.
• Ocassionally a Job Shadow or Work Study program is requested by local high schools.
• Dozens of oversized commissioned works for residential/commercial and public settings abroad.
• A featured artist in the 2005 Northwest Artists coffee table book by Cameron Blagg and friends.
• Father of two awesome kids – Tyson and Jenna. Married to Janet since 1985.

A dedication and integrity to one’s dreams is challenge that must be endured to receive the joys and blessings that Life has to offer everyone. A strong goal of mine is to encourage the children of today to be themselves, express themselves and to follow their heart and overcome the obstacles of their challenging journey. The arts can only survive with the cooperation and investment of all involved.

ALOHA & THANK YOU for visiting my ARTWORK.

Artist Code: JRM

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