Tom Haney
Tom Haney is from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and says he has been making art most of his life but his current work started in 1994 and began doing it full time in 2000 for more descriptions and images of his work check out his web address. www.tomhaney.com his current works are mechanical sculptures, with found objects and assemblage.
Artist’s statement…
Much of my work is unseen. Whether it’s an intricate part of a mechanism or the curve of a leg, so much of what I do is not instantly apparent. On a kinetic piece, 50-60 percent of my time is spent on the mechanism hidden inside the work.
I hand-carve the bodies of all my figures and sculpt each head one at a time, doing things the old-fashioned way. No corners are cut, no shortcuts taken. When making a piece that moves, I aspire to produce a piece that will operate for years to come.
A great deal of time is spent perfecting the mechanisms to ensure I will never have to spend my time repairing them. The special people who collect my art understand what goes into creating it. They appreciate the hours, days, weeks, and sometimes months of dedication it takes to create these unique pieces.
Woodcarving was my initial approach to creating the figures, but lately I’ve found myself using materials as diverse as fabric, polymer clay, and found objects. Electrical motors, miniature lights and motion-detectors have been added to my mechanical repertoire.
For the most part, I approach my work searching for that characteristic of the human spirit that struggles to overcome anything fate can throw its way. I’ve always been on the side of the underdog, rooting for the little guy. Their lives and stories inspire me.
What are you currently working on?
A commission of a clock that is 12” high and 72” long with a movable figure and multiple movable objects.
What fascinates you?
Anything mechanical.
Now give us a more descriptive outline on your current works?
Darker than previous work. Using lighting to a greater degree. Narrative slightly off of reality, more dream-like.
Why are you an artist?
I was born this way and I can’t help thinking like an artist. It’s very important for me, it’s my life.
Why is it so compelling?
The challenge to make something that people want to look at and try to understand.
Your art education was…?
I have degree in Industrial Design.
What did you do before or during becoming an artist? I made props models and miniatures for photography, commercials and movies.
What is your earliest memory of art? Seeing my older sisters creating art and drawing with crayons.
Was art a “thing” that was encouraged in your family? Yes, but it was discouraged professionally.
Was there a big turning point in your art journey, which caused you to think “it’s all worthwhile”, or “oh yeah I get it…”? In 2000 I did my first outdoor show and sold many pieces and heard great comments from people.
What caused you to choose the medium you currently work in? American folk art.
What can you tell us about your planning and making process for making art, and has that altered over the years? When I first started making things I wanted to see it finished at the end of the day. Now I have lots of patience and take my time to finish a piece. My pieces today, take weeks to finish.
Does the “creative process” happen easily for you? Yes but sometimes it’s hard to get started.
Do you get creative glimpses of urges happening and how do you work with these? I usually sketch these ideas down somewhere.
Have you had any commissions? Yes, half of my time over the last few years has been spent on commissions.
How important do you think craftsmanship is to artistic creation? Very important, I try to do the best work I can always.
Does the sale of your work support you? Yes, but with this economy it’s been a little slim.
Do you have much contact with other artists? My wife is an artist and I do try to keep in touch with creative people.
Any upcoming or completely new projects you want to talk about? Currently I’m working on a commission piece, a clock 12” high x 72” long. It’s areal challenge and a bit out of what I normally do.
Working towards an exhibition, is it a daunting task? Yes, there is never enough time to do all the works I have ideas for.
Tell us about your connection to your subject matter, way of working, concepts etc? I always look for subjects, which have an interesting movement to them. Sometimes pieces are more of a personal challenge, a problem to solve.
What has been a turning point in your career thus far and why? In 2000 I became a full-time artist and had the time to commit 100% to my work, this opened up many possibilities.
Can you name a favourite artist or three… and why?
Calder, Picasso and Da Vinci. Calder made a huge impression on me as a youth. I have no idea how old I was or what show I saw when I was young, but my parents said I could always recognise his work even as a small child. Picasso went from being classically trained as a youth and through his career stripped everything down to the basics elements. I wanted to be Da Vinci when I was young, (and still do), because he did everything, he was an artist, an engineer, an architect, and an inventor.
Want to see more Artist Interviews the day they are posted? Subscribe and we automatically send you the latest post via email, it’s easy click here to subscribe.
Compiled and edited by Steve Gray © 2009+
Follow me on twitter! http://twitter.com/stevegray58
Comments
One Response to “Tom Haney”
Leave a Reply
Your work is amazing! I can really appreciate the work and the amazing detail you put into each piece. Are you involved in any art festivals? Maybe I will see you out on the road.- Julie Sola