Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024 - 29

" My art is nature inspired. I am surrounded
by majestic mountains and
streams-this where I am my happiest, "
he says.
" I start with a concept and direction
(keeping a consistent organic theme).
And I work without blueprints during
the build. The parts and pieces I forge
dictate the direction and look [of the final
assembly] and are subject to change
at any given time. " To create his massive
sculptures and delicate details, he enjoys
working with forged steel, bronze, copper
and stainless steel.
" Working with fire goes back to the
dawn of time. And I have an overwhelming
need to create... So, my processes
working with metals are physical and
spiritual experiences for me. The heat,
fire, excitement and an element of danger
all at the same time - that's what
keeps me going back, " he adds with a
smile.
In addition to an extensive traveling
exhibit, Strauss's sculptures reside in
public spaces, galleries and private collections
across the country (including a
horse he created for Sir Elton John).
Moving forward: In addition to growing
his equipment, techniques and craftsmanship
to continue public and commission
art pieces, Strauss plans to focus
on " art education in order to inspire a
younger generation to learn the skills of
hands-on work. "
ericstrauss-sculptor.com
KENTUCKY
Jeff Chapman-Crane, Eolia. " Art often
illuminates our shared experience as members
of the human race and helps us find common
bonds. "
Following four years of high school
art classes, Jeff Chapman-Crane continued
(for 50 years) to " be challenged and
inspired to exceed [his] own expectations
and limitations " by his exceptional
teacher, mentor and friend.
Chapman-Crane's realism portraits
and scenes of Appalachia are rich with
detail, layered with feelings and possess
unique dynamic qualities. " I think the
people I paint tend to have something of
a universal quality about them, as if they
could be found in one's own community
or most anywhere in the world. I also believe
the portraits I've done tell a part of
the human story. "
He continues: " Life is dynamic. It's
in constant motion. Even when a person
is completely still, there is a torrent of
activity happening in every part of their
body and even in the atmosphere all
around them ... even in a still moment
of quite reflection.
Art often illuminates our shared experience
as members of the human
race and helps us find common bonds,
bridging the expanse of differences that
too often divide us. [It can] record the
history of a particular place and help
us better understand our place in that
history. Simply stated, art is vital to our
existence. "
Moving forward: " To do the work
I've been doing for the past five decades-tell
the story of Appalachia from
my own unique perspective. I do want
to try to identify what gaps may exist in
that story and address that (paintings of
children and portraits of people of Asian
descent-they are a growing population
in our region). Beyond that, I want to
[pursue] artforms that are completely
different from painting like dry stone
masonry, mosaics using native
rocks,
small scale dioramas and found object
assemblages. "
jeffchapmancrane.com
Lacy Hale, Whitesburg. " Art is a way
to speak to and with a higher power, to capture
beauty, to create beauty. To address sadness, to
conquer pain. "
" Art can be therapy. Art can be healing.
Art is a form of self-expression, " says
Lacy Hale, fine artist, printmaker and
muralist. " Art is a way to speak to and
with a higher power, to capture beauty,
to create beauty. To address sadness, to
conquer pain. "
She is also the creator of No Hate
in My Holler and used block printing (a
technique dating back 400 or more years)
to make her initial designs. " I think I'm
most proud of the love and message that
it shares. I hope it makes oppressed populations
feel safer to live in or visit Appalachia...and
helps dispel stereotypes
[about] people from our mountains. If
MALCOLM WILSON
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 29
http://www.jeffchapmancrane.com http://www.ericstrauss-sculptor.com
Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024
