Cod
by Richard B. Colburn
Goat
by Richard B. Colburn
Corn
by Richard B. Colburn
October 19 - November 22, 2009
The wood sculpture of Richard B. Colburn seems to literally pop out of the Firehouse gallery walls. Capturing the very essence of his subject matter, Colburn turns a piece of wood into a believable fish and yet succeeds in creating something more than the fish itself. One could easily imagine Colburn's "Cod" swimming in the cold waters offshore and yet it is imaginative as well. "Goat" not only evokes mythological themes but enchants the viewer with the expertise of the antler carving. Don't miss this exciting exhibition now through November 22.
About the artist - Even as a kid Richard B. Colburn Jr. was at home in art classes – much more so than in others. The basement in his home was his lab for sculpting in soap, clay, wax or whatever else came his way. While still in high school, he was fortunate enough to be hired to design and render jewelry for a silversmith from whom he learned soldering and lost wax casting.
After graduating, Colburn moved to Florida as a first-year apprentice in the Carpenters Union. As he progressed through the apprenticeship program, he learned cabinet-making and trim bench work. It was then that Colburn’s high school whittling became woodcarving.
After earning the Journeyman’s Union card four years later, Colburn left the trade and spent the next six years working in woodworking shops where he could rough out whatever he was carving after hours. During this period Colburn traveled periodically to Europe and the Middle East and spent much of his time in the world’s great art museums, where he was not only inspired but intimidated in the presence of sculptures by the likes of Michelangelo and Robin.
After his last overseas trip he entered the graphic arts industry, one of the few trades where an art background and affinity are useful. His main emphasis however has been, and remains, sculpture.
The Firehouse Center for the Arts Art Gallery
The Firehouse Center for the Arts features twelve gallery shows a year. Each show is selected from submissions each Spring for the following year’s shows. Gallery exhibits have included local, national and international artists and have given our community the opportunity to view a variety of artwork including photography, paintings, monotype and sculpture.
Call for Artists
Artist Submissions now being accepted. Contact Kimm at 978-499-9931 or send her email for details and an application.
To download an MS Word document describing the Gallery Submission Procedures, click here.
