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"Tell
me about your picture honey". I think I was asked
that a few times as a child, and have recently asked that
of my god-daughters, it's fine for children but not a
question that I think should be necessary of works in
a gallery. Adult art should tell its own story, inspire
the viewer to not just look at, but to become a part of,
encourage them to embellish the story, and develop the
personalities and lives of the characters themselves -
to touch the sculpture with both their fingers and their
heart.
Since the mid 1980s I've been making my living sculpting
toys and collectibles - most likely you've either played
with them yourself, or found them with bare feet in the
middle of the night. Now, twenty some years of delayed
gratification have finally allowed me an excursion from
those professional mechanics, and granted me the opportunity
to create from the heart. I have a great deal of respect
for the ranch hand, the cowboy, the guy who busts his
tail when the weather is beautiful, or fierce, shine,
rain, hot, cold, doesn't matter, there's a job that has
to be done and requires a person of skill, resolve, and
integrity; but my love is for his right hand - or paw,
partner.
For some, dogs are fashion accessories, for others, a
mask to show the world that they're tougher than they
really are, for some, just a tool, to others, a nuisance,
but I can't relate to any of those folks. These sculptures
are about relationships, for those who look forward to
the wagging tail, the happy face, the wild excited run
through the house, the bow and howl greeting when they
get home; those who understand the bonds that we have
with these wonderful, loving, loyal, empathetic, forgiving,
humorous, and, hopefully, furriest members of our family.
I do hope that you can relate to the stories that they
tell, and that they make you want to give your dog a hug,
and throw a soggy tennis ball… one more time …
just once more… ok, last time…. that'll do.
Jim
Rogers
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