Hardy Jones - A Customer and An Artist
Dec. 14, 2010
The Fireclay Tile Boneyard gets to see its fair share of local Bay Area artists. Many of these are mosaic artists interested in finding beautiful tile to use in their designs, but sometimes we get an artist of another medium scavenging the yard for the perfect material to complement one of their other works. Over the past few weeks, we've been fortunate to get the chance to meet a local metal sculpter, Hardy Jones.
Hardy found Fireclay as most do, through Google and searching for local tile. We were lucky to strike up some conversations with him, and discovered his passion for sculpting and using locally scavenged recycled materials, something you all know we at Fireclay LOVE! After checking out Hardy's website we were floored not only at his story - a successful orthopedic surgeon turned metal creator - but also his works, over 30 of which are displayed in public areas in and around Silicon Valley.
From his website: Hardy Jones sculptures are whimsical and alive. Welded from scrap metal, old tools, and found objects, each sculpture is as unique as its parts: a 1952 Buick steering linkage, old farm equipment, truck and railroad yard fittings. With their metal parts rearranged and welded together, creations come to life--reborn as dancers, animals, or warriors, inspired by the exciting discovery of some new found art treasure. (see sample)
Most sculptures are one-of-a-kind, although themes run through Jones's work: dancers, angels, shamans, fish, horses, and occasionally giraffes, dragons, cats and dogs. Sizes range from a one-foot baby alligator to monumental. Jones, retired from his career in orthopedic surgery, now joyfully devotes his energy to art and sculpture. His passion for found art spans 25 years, and sculptures number over 200 in private collections in California, throughout the United States, as well as in Canada and Mexico. His works are recognized in public locations--including city parks, restaurants, and a variety of businesses--throughout Santa Clara County
Circles in Motion
Magic Fish
The Wedding
Junkyard Dog
These are just a few of our favorites, but we highly encourage you to check out Hardy's site at www.hardyjones.com to learn more about him.
Hardy, good luck with the tile project, and keep up the great work!
- The Fireclay Tile Team
Note: All images courtesy of www.hardyjones.com