The beautifully expressive sculptures of artist Ken Newman capture the essence of nature and the human story. Please visit his website to see more of his amazing work.
“Confluence of Blue” Bronze, 50” x 28” x 32”
When I committed to a full-time career in art in 2001, I dove in feet first without a real understanding of the art market. A business plan was developed with goals and focused on the importance of living within our means. The business is treated like a business – there are no trust funds, retirements or pensions to fall back on or to fund projects. Everything made goes right back into the next sculpture. Having been self-employed my whole life helps cope with the inconsistent income and the ebb and flow of the art business.
Artist Ken Newman sculpting “Confluence of Blue” in clay.
A devoted partner works with me to keep me on track; without that I wouldn’t have succeeded in the past fifteen years, especially during the economic downturn. In essence, full-time sculpting became my profession, as well as my addiction.
Artist Ken Newman carving wood.
In the late eighties, I initially began carving wildlife in raw forms of wood, which I continue to do on a larger scale. In 2004, I diversified my medium and subjects, adding both wildlife and figurative bronzes to my portfolio. This allowed multiple works for galleries, exhibitions and sales venues, each providing income. It also allowed me to explore others mediums and subjects, challenging me to create a more comprehensive narrative.
“Enfolded Cottontail” Redwood Burl on Sandstone, 18” x 18” x 14”
My work is not derived from science or facts—it is that of observation, reflection and emotion—moving past the surface to search for my own journey as a sculptor. The developing of the narrative fuels the next work.
“The Rat Race” Bronze, 22” x 19” x 9”
As an artist I create what I know and have experienced; allowing for my passion and curiosity to grow. While keeping an open mind I have found that out that I know very little. The passion grew into an addiction and curiosity opens doors that were never imagined.
“Dam Pirouette” Lodge Pole Pine on Obsidian, 24” x 16” x 12”
Creating art is cathartic. In turning over the leaves of your life, one needs to dig deep so as to question your beliefs and truths, maybe even rub a raw spot on your soul.
“The Last Whistle” Bronze, 40” x 34” x 20”
My current project is a monumental enlargement of The Last Whistle, which was created half life size in 2014. This sculpture honors a generation of men who built America during the Industrial Revolution. Although I have some interest in this monumental sculpture, I am moving it forward on speculation that it will resonate with a city, which was an American manufacturing center.
The Enlargement Process (“The Last Whistle”), 8.5’ Tall
The blue foam image is a digital scan enlargement of the bronze sculpture. The image is scanned and then digitally carved in foam sections and glued together. At this point, the steps are being designed, the foam adjusted and mounted. Then clay will be applied to the foam and the textures completed, which will take about four months. The molding and casting process with take another six months.
“Tale of Respect” Bronze, 37” x 26” x 28”
We travel an average of 30,000 miles a year to expose my art to large populations, from north to south and east to west. It has been an amazing journey.
“American Pi” Bronze with Mixed Media (“Sunday’s Dress,” 17” x 8” x 10”/ “A New Perm,” 17” x 10” x 10”/ “A Moment’s Rest,” 23” x 6” x 6”)
The artist’s reward is receiving feedback about the work and then connecting with a collector who values art and chooses to place it in their home, corporate office or in a public place. Sometimes it takes many miles and years of planting seeds to find the right person, who loves and has the pocketbook to purchase it. The journey continues.
Artist Ken Newman invites you to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and his blog.
I love Ken Newmans art…he really has a new and fresh view point with his sculptures!