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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Geoffrey Gorman

"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.