Working in three-dimensional space has been a passion since my youth and visualizing objects from all angles comes easily to me.  My mentors were my father in his woodworking shop and my sculpture professor, Jan Zach, at the University of Oregon.

My approach to artwork is based on the ancient guild craftsman system.  I felt that I must thoroughly understand the materials and the processes before embarking on a career in sculpture.  After graduating from college, I wanted to learn how to fabricate all metals.  I applied and was accepted into the Steamfitters Union Local 290 in Portland, Oregon and became a fitter/welder, working in paper mills, petroleum tank farms, chemical  and  micro-electronics facilities.  After 25 years working in this trade, I retired and am now working full time as a sculptor.

My links to the past are evident in my choices of materials.  I am coaxing forms from structural steel, process piping, ferrous cement, solid acrylics, non-ferrous metals, wood, and wood pulp. . My works are abstract, minimalist impressions of images that come to me when I look at these industrial materials. Surface treatments include chemical patinas, industrial enamels, natural oxidation, encaustic waxes, pigmented oils and more.

For more information and works by James R. Bodell, please visit www.jrbodellsculpture.com