Jim Rose - New Work

March 18 - April 15, 2017

Artist's Reception: March 18, from 2 - 5pm with an artist talk at 4pm

Jim Rose combines timeless American traditions in beautifully hand crafted contemporary steel furniture and sculpture. Inspired by the colorful quilt work of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, Rose employs fine woodworking techniques to create furniture made from sheets of hot rolled steel and scrap metal. Like remnants of cloth that preserve family memories in quilts, the discarded scraps of metal add rich color, texture and history to Rose’s highly functional designs.  Each piece is finely finished with a process of brushing and waxing.  

“My work is undertaken in a way that is both celebratory and respectful, while treading continuously down the path of discovery. My manner of steel construction has references to wood and wood building methods while addressing issues of traditional and modern craftsmanship. In the challenge of designing and fabricating each new piece from found materials, I encounter a variety of obstacles that contribute to my aspirations to grow as an artist and metalworker. In all, I strive to retain the balance of the visually complex with the simple qualities of pure form and clean lines while referencing and continually being inspired by the history of design and craft. All of my final works, or footprints on this journey are intended for daily use.” Jim Rose

Rose has been actively working as a full-time studio artist in Wisconsin since he received his BFA in Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1989.  His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the country.