“Les ménageries d'un artiste”
Exhibition by john currie
ONE ARTIST | MULTIPLE MEDIUMS | MULTIPLE VISIONS
Join us in welcoming the work of John Currie to AFMSP’s Vaaler Art Gallery. John Currie is a talented local sculptor and painter. In this series, John Currie invites viewers to discover his dynamic, ever-growing menagerie––even a menagerie of menageries––as there are multiple pieces born from multiple spheres of interest. Don’t miss the exciting opportunity to connect with our city’s vibrant art scene!
John currie
‘‘I am––gasp!––both a fine and commercial artist, sculpting and painting. My oeuvre is a dynamic, ever-growing menagerie––even a menagerie of menageries––as there are multiple pieces born from multiple spheres of interest. I also am a graphic designer, a new concept developer and a visual translator. Am I mad to have a taboret in both worlds? If I am, then I am, because I simply cannot keep my creative heart from wandering. I thrive in the excitement of living in both worlds, just as I do as both sculptor and painter; every new piece of art is better because my interests and curiosity know no limits. Every new creation is influenced by the experiences that propelled every past creation. Were my past different, were my past artworks different, then any piece that I create today would be different.
Often, my work self-pollinates; several of my sculptures have been inspired by my work in oils, even by my graphics. I am inspired by many things, including nature, my personal faith and my many months spent living in France and touring the World. My art often reflects my sense of humor, too, because I delight in finding the whimsy and joy in life.
Most of my work is both representational and gestural. I enjoy the spirit, the movement and the feeling of working in wax, metal and oil. I believe ardently that art is about expression, not facts: a breeze is better felt than captured. You will find me as close as possible to other painter’s canvases because I love to see their hand, their finger prints; their lives dance in their brushstrokes. I hope that you enjoy finding mine in my art.
I have studied with noted sculptors Nick Legeros, Roger Junk and Heidi Hoy, as well as with painters Armand Cabrera, Richard Krogstad and my painting mentor, Reid Galey. My very first art class as a child came in a box: “Learn to Paint with Jon Gnagy.” Sadly, I did not until many years later, and so Jon Gnagy died unfulfilled.
I loved teaching Cast Bronze Sculpture at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts in Minnesota, encouraging others just as my mentors have encouraged and inspired me. I love exhibiting in art fairs and encouraging children to create, and their parents to encourage them as well. Any child’s art is a song, a dance, an exuberance: celebrate them! And I “do art” because it’s just fun.
My work also reflects the influence of the warm Peruvian heart and birthplace of my wonderful bride and partner, Jeannine. We live in Minneapolis and travel to France, Perú and the World as often as Delta allows. My work has been exhibited in Colorado, Wyoming, Michigan, and Minnesota and is found in private and church collections in the US, France, Belgium and Péru. Oh, and one of my sculptures was presented by President Obama as a personal gift to Sweden’s Prime Minister, but don’t tell anyone that I told you. It’s a secret. Really.’’ John Currie
After the opening night on Thursday, August 24, the exhibition will be open to visitors Monday through Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm. The exhibition will be on display until September 30, 2023.
‘‘Les Ménageries d’un artiste’’ will be open to the public free of charge! You can help support the continued presence of cultural programs which benefit our community. Please consider making a $10 donation towards this event and future projects by registering below.