Location: United States
WESLEY WOFFORD- OVERVIEW
www.woffordsculpturestudio.com
Wesley Wofford, born in 1972, embarked on a transformative journey from the glitz of Hollywood to the serene mountains of Western North Carolina. Venturing to Hollywood in his early twenties from his native Georgia, Wofford initially explored the world of special makeup effects for film, where his exceptional talent soared, earning him an Emmy and an Academy Award for his pioneering work with silicone prosthetics. However, amidst industry acclaim, Wofford felt a deep longing for a more resonant and enduring art form—one that could intricately weave emotion and narrative. In 2001, he made the pivotal decision to return to the East Coast with his wife and two children, establishing his art studio amidst the tranquil mountain landscapes. Since then, Wofford's studio has evolved into a sanctuary for creativity, providing him with a harmonious balance between nature, family, and artistry. His sculptures, serving as testaments to the power of presence, seamlessly blend dynamic forms with intricate textures, evoking profound emotional responses. Particularly notable are his intimate portraits, which resonate with a depth of feeling that transcends the limitations of bronze, inviting viewers into the inner worlds of his subjects. Beyond his studio, Wofford's influence extends far and wide, with global recognition and features in prestigious publications such as CNN, the New York Times, and Harvard Journals. In 2019, Wofford sculpted his first historical monument, Harriet Tubman- “The Journey to Freedom," marking a significant turning point in his career. The overwhelming response to this monumental work awakened an activism within him, inspiring a mission to elevate the untold stories of our collective history. Collaborating with communities and fellow activists, Wofford's focus has shifted towards monumental works that bring to light new narratives. From the Dorchester County Courthouse in Maryland to the Women’s Freedom Park in Franklin, North Carolina, his sculptures grace important historical sites across the United States. Through his art, Wesley Wofford intertwines threads of history, humanity, and hope, leaving an enduring legacy that inspires a more equitable world.
“This sculpture is an exploration of the beauty of the feminine form. It alludes to my development as an artist, the title implying a waking up or stirring-as in the direction of my work-but is also a play on words to implicate a sexual arousal. It is also a companion piece to “reawakening” that speaks of the duality of man and woman."
“This composition represents my waking up to the world of figurative sculpture. For over 13 years I had worked in the film industry, and was struggling to find a direction for my personal work. The sculpture is a metaphor for me finding the path, and is an exploration of a modern voice for the human form. The monumental edition represents the heroic size I see many of my compositions. It is also the origin of my “timestamp” concepts of how the same sculpture presented with two different finishes can alter the viewer’s perception of when it was created.”
“This sculpture is about the union of man and woman, two becoming one. The two figures are separate but as you move down the piece, they are slowing becoming one. This union is inspired by passion and fueled by sexual desires. For me it also speaks of the correlation of art and sex drive, as viewed by many great artists of the past from Rodin to Victor Hugo.”
“This piece is about me finding my inspiration, and nurturing and embracing it. Her finger touching my arm is my Muse channeling my work into my left arm-the creative side-to be filtered through me and imbued in the clay. She is indifferent to my daily search and adoration for her.”
“This piece speaks of the so labeled American generation of people and how during the course of their lives smart phones and computers have become intrinsic to society. The abstracted figure is embracing a device, oversized in scale, to emphasize how much it capitalizes his existence. Despite his intense focus on the device, which is supposed to give him pleasure, he still feels empty and hollow, acknowledged by the void in his midsection. The de-emphasized ears imply he hears nothing else, and is ignoring the larger world around him as it passes him by. The red color is aimed at getting the attention of those same viewers that are becoming acclimated to shock art. Then of course there is the larger silhouette of the X”.
“"Rousing"”
“"Reawakening"”
“"Coalescence"”
“"Dalliance-Embracing My Muse"”
“"Generation X"”
