SAN ANGELO, TX – Angelo State University will present a free public exhibit of unique sculptures by West Texas-based artist-blacksmith Kevin Stanford, starting Monday, Oct. 10, in the Carr Education-Fine Arts (EFA) Building, 2602 Dena Drive.
Stanford's exhibit of forged-steel and found-object sculptures will be on display in the Carr EFA Building's Gallery 193 and will be open for free public viewing on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 4.
"Influenced by tribal art, science fiction notions, and the elusive remnants of dreams, my work explores the familiar while offering sub-rosa glimpses of what could be commonplace in another world," Stanford said. "My work glorifies the aesthetic of the found; my focus is primarily on steel. I'm more interested in form rather than gleaning some sort of deep meaning from my work. Juxtaposition, shape, texture and hue drive the dialog with my materials."
Sculptures by Keven Stanford
Sculptures by Keven Stanford
Sculptures by Keven Stanford
Sculptures by Keven Stanford
Originally from Southern California, Stanford is now based in nearby Eldorado. For the most part a self-taught blacksmith, he has traveled over the last few years to spend time with both prominent and up-and-coming artist-blacksmiths, participate in collaborative sculpture sessions, take hands-on sculpture courses, demonstrate non-traditional steel manipulation for beginning blacksmiths, and visit local smiths. His passion is exploring non-traditional shapes in forged steel using traditional blacksmith techniques and incorporating found objects in his sculpture. He was named the San Angelo Art Club's Artist of the Year for 2019.
"Steel is resilient yet vulnerable," Stanford said. "We can leave our mark on steel. But over time, our marks can be forgotten, discarded and erased. Found steel can be transformed into new raw material, but it can also be appreciated and elevated in its discovered state. Forging, assemblage, arc welding, rummaging and patination are the processes that dominate my practice."
More details and samples of Stanford's work are available on his website at kevzb.tumblr.com.
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