Tuesday, October 8, 2013

30/30: Geoffrey Gorman



30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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"A broken tree branch, bleached from sun and rain, makes me think of weathered bones: wings, legs, backbone, and hip bone.


Old stained strips of cloth act like bandages and clothing, hiding and holding it all together. Found and lost objects assembled into curious and evocative shapes is what excites me. When I am making objects, I think of model airplanes made of balsa wood, then covered in thin transparent paper. Or I see decoys and shapes made to attract wild animals.


I also think of a forest of tall, dark tress covered in moss and moisture, a silent, meditative place. I try to give people just a starting point. Then it's up to them to add the narrative."

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Geoffrey Gorman's creations are like no other. He is able to put together flotsam and jetsam in such a way as to make magical creatures that I would swear have a life and a soul all their own. I have always just assumed that his imagination must be as big as his talent. I have seen his artwork highlighted in so many places and each time it is as powerful as if I had never seen his work before.

In 2011 I attended the International Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair in NYC. Not knowing that Geoffrey was exhibiting, I came across his work and immediately stopped dead in my tracks. Seeing his creations online and on magazine pages is pretty incredible. But seeing his work up close and personal is like having an art awakening. Geoffrey was there but he was surrounded by what I labeled Gorman Groupies. I circled back to the booth throughout the night, but always the groupies. I ended up leaving without meeting him.  However one of these days I am sure I will. Makes me think that I just might be a Gorman Groupie myself.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

65 comments:

Jo Murray said...

Geoffrey Gorman's creatures are all so fabulous. It's not hard to guess that he loves his work...who wouldn't?

Linda M. Cain said...

These are breath-takingly wonderful! I love them all.

~Linda

Angie said...

Just amazing!

ArtPropelled said...

I'm an on-line Gorman Groupie!

Beanie Mouse said...

Wow!!! And Yay for Groupies!

Hastypearl said...

I have all of the same Stuff in my studio drawers, but theyve Never turned out such wonder. What a GIFT! Laura

tgarrett said...

Wow- I love this work- such energy comes from these incredible creatures!

Roberta Warshaw said...

Very interesting work and quite unique!

froebelsternchen said...

OH!!! that's fantastic ART! AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for introducing me to Geoffrey Gorman's work! Absolutely AMAZING!

Kim Hupke

Unknown said...

Luv the video, "A Dog's Tail", luv the understanding of animals, keys and rings and things hanging from the bat wings, dogs legs - so hip and happening!

elle said...

This is really amazing art. Sure expands ones vision!

Linda Naprstek said...

His work is absolutely amazing!
Linda

Darlene K Campbell said...

PD, I'll take a look a the video you mentioned.
This is stunning work that jolted me awake this morning. I could sit and look at it for hours and wonder about it.

.Trudi Sissons said...

I have just applied to be another groupie. I bet there is a waiting list! I'm hooked!

Mrs Pretzel said...

Add me to the groupie waiting list! LOVE Geoffrey's work.

queenb2u said...

Absolutely amazing... words don't say it. Thanks for sharing Geoffrey with the world, Seth.

RCarstens said...

I've long been a fan of Geoffrey's work. His imagination is always working--he absorbs ideas from everything around him--nature, life, books, art. He sees ways to reuse materials no one else has ever thought of--it's part of the magic his invented creatures evoke!

Canace said...

Breathtaking! Thank you for introducing him to us!

Canace said...

Breathtaking! Thank you for introducing him to us!

Maureen said...

Really eye-catching. Wonderful!

JLeigh Designs said...

Amazing and so creative. Love Geoffrey's creations.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous. These are the sculptures of my childhood dreams and I love very one of them.

Thanks for introducing me to an artist I will love following, Seth. And please can my name go into the hat?

Mo Crow said...

some artists make real magic and Geoffrey Gorman is one of them!

Meg said...

Wow, I just expected to see pages and books here, but oh, wow.

Teri said...

Every day they just get better and better. Why can't there be a show on television that features all these incredible artists, their studios, their work, their thoughts etc? Have you ever thought about taking on such an adventure Seth?

Kathryn Dyche said...

His work is incredible, I can only imagine how amazing it must look in person.

trish quilty said...

thank for introducing us to Gorman's amazing creative art.!

Barbara I. said...

Wow, speechless! Geoffrey's creatures are incredible. I was not familiar with his work at all so thanks for introducing me to his art, Seth. I love discovering new artists that I find interesting. I'm really enjoying your 30/30 posts, Seth!

Thanks again for a chance to win a copy of your new book. Such a great giveaway opportunity.
bkisrael@gmail.com

dar said...

You've done it again...definitely will be a winner! Congrats!

Donna said...

that is amazing. who knew?

donna joy said...

wow-amazing work!

Bill said...

Incredibly amazing!

Candice Thomas said...

Amazing and beautiful. Yes I too would like to meet Geoffrey in person. What talent and imagination. I have trouble with 2D. What he does in 3D is totally awsome!

Nan G said...

So life like! I find myself staring intently at these amazing sculptures.

Supria Karmakar said...

Geoffrey Gorman's work is so fabulous..thanks for sharing these...I am in LOVE with this work
supria

Hue and Me Art said...

I would also love to see these in
person. Beautiful work.

Deborah J Bein said...

so far not one miss.....
great collection of fabulous artists here! dbein@hvc.rr.com

Lynda said...

I've seen Geoffrey's work before,even pinned a few... his stuff just knocks me out... fabulous!

Mickie said...

Very interesting indeed, love the birds and insects.

Leslie said...

Wow! These are amazing!

Patty H said...

Wow! What an imagination!

Anonymous said...

I love Geoffrey Gorman's work! I hope to see it in person someday.

Elizabeth said...

Wow! Thanks for giving exposure to amazing artists. These pieces are incredible!

Christine Kiehl said...

Wow, amazing is one word that came to mind right away! What great talent he has! Thank you for sharing him with us!

Unknown said...

OMG! His art is soooo cool!!!

nelda said...

I love the bird with the book. The titles for his art pieces are so interested.

Sandy said...

What an imagination!

Darcy Marshall said...

so,so gorgeous. amazing talent, and patience to create those details.

Raylee said...

geoffrey gorman's pieces are amazing.....so life like, my favourite so far.
thank you for showing all these great artists.

Glenda said...

I love his work.

Chris said...

Wow, stunning work!

Barbara Mason said...

I would love to peek into his mind...oh I guess I have through his amazing work!

RoseandShirlArts said...

You are a wonderful artist Mr. Gorman. You bring sticks, nails and little pieces of rubber to life. Fantastic!

RoseandShirlArts said...

You are an amazing artist Mr. Gorman. You bring sticks, nails and little pieces of rubber to life. Fantastic!

Create Beauty with Laurajo said...

This is fantastic work! I'd love to see this in person and I can only imagine its up close beauty! Thanks, Seth!

Angi in hana said...

I want to be a gorman groupie! Aloha, angi in hana

Hester said...

absolutely amazing creatures!

Peg Englishman said...

I have never seen Geoffrey's work.......incredible!

stlbarb said...

remarkable sculptures!!

Unknown said...

amazing sculptures...

Lura said...

one of my very, very favorites. just awesome. xoxo

Parabolic Muse said...

I became familiar with Geoffrey's work through you, and I am floored by it every time! He is a creative force that keeps me in love with the mysteries of the artistic path, because I find what he creates just out of my reach. Love the intrigue his pieces hold for me!

Jorin said...

Very interesting and fascinating animals

Gillian Pearce said...

Intriguing work. Nice to see something so different.