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Jim Helms
www.jimhelmssculptor.com

Artist Name: Jim Helms

Title of Piece: New Growth

Media: stainless steel and galvanized steel pole

Dimensions: 6’H x 18” x 18”

Retail Price: $1,000 + tax

Artist’s Statement: The inspiration for “New Growth” comes from the emerging plants in our garden. The strength, freshness, and power of the plants are represented in the form of this stainless steel sculpture. It bends and sways in the wind and joins the harmony of the garden.

Artist’s Bio: My adventure in art started in the year 2000, when commitments to my family and my profession lessened and I was able to dedicate myself to my long-time passion. I was always drawn to art and had creative visions, but never the time to unleash my creativity. In that year I was able to begin my adventure in earnest. I started with classes and workshops that enabled me to express myself in the world of three-dimensional sculptures.

The last week in October of 2007 was the basis for my creative focus today. The Rice Canyon fire came through our community. There was devastation in various parts of town. The debris that was left was both disturbing and beautiful. This stimulation led to the creation of the two copper pieces, “Standing Man” and “Burnt Wrangler.” They were followed by “Park Angel.” This sculpture was created from scorched and melted remains of the destroyed mobile home park. “Park Angel” was positioned in front of this park where she became widely known and very well received. “Rising from the Ashes” and “Wounded Warrior” followed “Park Angel.” All these works were combining representational form in a contemporary expressive manner. “Rising from the Ashes” was awarded Best of Show and 1st in a recycled material at the 2008 San Diego County Fair. The “Wounded Warrior” was awarded 2nd place at the 2009 San Diego County Fair, and in August of 2010, was awarded a second place ribbon at the Oceanside Sculpture Competition. This year “Dancing in the Wind” took first place and “PTSD” took third at the open juried show in Fallbrook.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to use steel with scrap stainless steel. This material has given me a new freedom of expression. The combination of steel and stainless steel provide the opportunity to join different surface textures and patinas resulting in my most recent sculptures that are a representation of life around us.

Photos: Beck Reeb, SDBG Staff