Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert English.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
While growing up in the east Texas town of Crockett, I gained an appreciation and love for western themes as I helped my father work cattle on the family’s ranch. In grade school, I loved to draw, but it was not until I was in college that I took art classes, primarily in painting. Although art was my passion, life intervened and pushed me into a more traditional course. After earning a business degree, I enlisted in the Marine Corps where the scope of experience broadened beyond Texas, and I gained an understanding of the discipline and rigor of military life and what it means to be a Marine. Upon re-entering civilian life four years later, I became a banker in Dallas, but never lost sight of the passion for art.
Thanks to helping my son with a project, which required the purchase of clay, the passion for sculpture was ignited. As I worked with the clay and discovered the three-dimensional aspect of sculpting, it became quite clear that this was the true medium to explore. Although I continued in a professional banking career, my newly found creative outlet of sculpting took flight as I studied with several sculptors, primarily George Davis, to learn anatomy and how to replicate the human body in clay. At about this time, I was also introduced to another new art form at a ballet performance and was intrigued by its beauty and movement. My love for expression of emotion was further solidified by attending a workshop led by Fritz White, CA, who emphasized the aspects of motion and emotion in bronze. Additional workshops conducted by admired professionals John Coleman and Mehl Lawson have served to enhance my horizons.
Life has a way of coming full circle and mine is no exception. I have hung up the banker’s hat so that I can devote more time to this passion for sculpting back in East Texas. Many of the pieces created over time contain metaphors that relate to the corporate world.
Please tell us about your art.
I work primarily in clay with the end result in bronze. I do not fit the typical mold of creating a universal theme. My work does not mirror anything commercial; it reflects my inspiration, which takes on many themes from western to dance. My goal is to insert as much emotion and motion into each idea as possible.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
By far the most dynamic feeling of success is achieved when someone appreciates your work and wants it displayed prominently in their home or place of business. That is the true connection and warms my soul. It does not provide food or shelter for me (that came from a previous life); it merely allows me to pursue my next idea. Life takes on different meanings to all of us… I chose to feed my family early on and save for this day rather than starve as a beginning artist. I would disagree with those that would say this is not paying your dues; it merely mitigates the financial equation and allows me to create what I want rather than what I think will sell.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is bobenglishsculpture.com I am not currently in any gallery and have discontinued community shows. I will have three pieces that will be displayed beginning March 3rd through March 31 at the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau located at 636 South Main Street in Grapevine. The only piece currently on display is the Dallas Stars’ Mike Modano annual scoring trophy, which is displayed in glass at the Stars’ center located at 12700 N. Stemmons Freeway in Farmers Branch.
Contact Info:
- Website: bobenglishsculpture.com
- Phone: 214-538-7311
- Email: re111747@aol.com
Image Credit:
Some images taken by Jamie Montgomery of Gun Barrel City. There are no restrictions for their use. Remainder taken by me.
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