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About:
Artist Jim Collins
MFA/Sculpture,
Ohio University, Athens, 1966
MPH/Public Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, 1961
AB/Art & Education, Marshall University, West
Virginia, 1957
Proficient in
a wide range of media, Jim Collins has passed through many
phases in his forty-plus years of sculpture: Wood-carvings of
stylish women and mixed media constructions in the 1960s;
sculptural landscapes (Versatile Women series) and
wind-activated sculpture through the 1970s; The Watcher series
of the 1980s, and 1990's Rivers of the Bible.
From found
objects and scrap materials the artist has created
tongue-in-cheek figures, whirligigs, weather vanes, and
nonsense machines. Collins is most recognized for works -
paintings and drawings as well as sculpture - that juxtapose
familiar personal and public icons, imparting both humanity
and a sense of humor.
Ideas for
work may be sparked by an interesting shape, an intriguing
find in an antique shop, or simply by an image that pops into
his head. From this point, a succession of thumbnail sketches
is drawn, each one more refined than its predecessor. If color
is to be incorporated, this is also worked out in the
sketches. Next, he builds a maquette to see if his idea will
convey what he has envisioned. If he is satisfied, he does a
life-sized drawing of the individual components for his
fabricator, and after completion, Collins assembles the piece
and finishes the surface by sanding, painting, and/or
polishing. |
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Collins is a
native of West Virginia. Following graduation from Ohio
University, he joined the art department faculty of The
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1965. He remained
through the 1982-83 academic year, rising to the rank of Full
Professor. He is a member of the Southern Association of
Sculptors.
In 1993,
Collins completed four permanent works of art specifically for
River Gallery Sculpture Garden. Each piece was thoughtfully
designed to enhance the natural surroundings and celebrate the
characteristics of Chattanooga itself.
"
When I make a funny piece of sculpture, I expect people to
laugh at it. I can't see any reason why humor and beauty can't
be combined. And I can't see any reason why something that is
intrinsically funny won't last. "
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