News and Events James Muir Bronze Sculptor | Bronze Sculpture by James Muir Bronze Sculptor | Allegorical Sculpture & Monuments in Bronze

Allegorical Artist/Author James N Muir has recently made it full circle back to the inspiring red rocks of Arizona ,where he is opening a new working studio at the stunning pueblo-style Tequa Festival Marketplace in the Village of Oak Creek.

Muir first arrived in Sedona over 27 years ago. His love for the West became the catalyst for a new-found sculpting career----a talent that could have been forever lost had he not followed his passion.

He left Sedona in 1988 and returned in 1990, then left a second time in 1995. Always seeking to expand his personal and artistic growth, his journey has finally brought him back again to Sedona, the “home” where his heart has always been.

Sedona is Muir’s inspiration for some of his finest sculptures, as well as his book - Lanterns Along The Path: The Allegorical Art of James N. Muir, which received the 2004 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, he was especially pleased that it was in the “Inspirational Category”. Muir states, “Far from being simply an ‘Art Book,’ Lanterns Along The Path is actually a guidebook for fellow Travelers on our individual and collective journey through life. An inspiration for the never-ending quest for Truth, it is dedicated to all who have passed this way before and left their lanterns for us.“ Muir says many individuals have left a lantern “light” for him and he hopes to leave his own lanterns behind for others. His book is available nationally at Barnes & Noble, or directly, at www.jamesmuir.com.

A question often asked is “why do you call yourself an Allegorical Artist”? James quickly responds, “I have never wanted to be limited to one specific genre or style, I describe my art as being “Allegorical”, filled with symbolism focusing on the higher attributes of mankind. That way I can use whatever subject matter fits what I am inspired to sculpt, be it historical or contemporary. Looking forward to continued growth as an artist and with a sincere desire to impact society, Muir says “I am back again where it all began in order to continue the Journey”.

Studio opening October 2006 located at the Tequa Tower in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona…For information visit www.jamesmuir.com or call 928./284.3123

Does the current art market demand that artists avoid controversy and depict only popular or trendy subject matter in order to make a living?

Can an artist who paints polluted landscapes, for instance, actually sell them?

And aside from commercial considerations, do artists who consciously relay social or psychological messages in their work really make a change in the world?

At some level, artists face questions like these every day in their work. The answers they find and the messages they care about vary as much as the art itself.

THE USE OF SYMBOL

"Art, historically, has had as one of its primary purposes to make people aware of higher aspects of themselves, of humanity, individually and collectively." say Sedona sculptor James Muir.

"But art has fallen victim to the comercialism and the materialism of our age so that all too often, making social commentary through art is not financially viable. Often it is avoided."

Muir, who became popular as an artist depicting the Civil War era and cavalry subjects of the American frontier, chose to move from the financially secure world of historical art to include imagery that has a message beyond the surface. Success, he says, is about filling the primary purpose each of us is here for, to make a difference in whatever way we can with our particular talent. Success is not necessarily about the gains that follow.

Symbols fill Muir's work, challenging the viewer to search for more meaning than meets the eye. Muir's pieces have three levels of awareness. First, the art much be technically good, because poorly rendered art with allegorical message do not capture attention long enough to relate deeper meanings. The second level of understanding usually reveals higher traits in human values, such as courage or duty. The third level of awareness is always spiritual.

"There is nothing in this world that is not spiritual, but often this level has to be explained," he maintains.
Muir created the bronze, "Liberte'", because he felt that human liberty has been eroded until it is but a mask of its former glory. In "Liberte'", the head and neck of the Statue of Liberty are posed with a tear on the cheek of the lady as she looks to make sure that Freedom's Torch is still lit. Five rays remain on her crown, the sixty ray of responsibility lies like a dagger of truth behind her while the seventh ray of spirituality is entirely missing. She is balanced upon a tablet symbolizing the Declaration of Independence which has been chipped away to become a broken covenant.

"I'm not out for shock value or to make anyone uncomfortable," he says. "What I do is produce awareness. Today our entertainment media is geared towards avoidance of dealing with what life is about. They provide constant distractions so that we don't have to deal with the meatier issues of life. Some people may be a little disturbed at the messages in my work but not turned off by them. I have yet to have anyone say, "Yes, we are concerned but we don't want to think about it."

Not Very Long Ago Most of the Art Created in Western Culture was made for and paid for by the Church . . . Is Anyone Out There Still Doing It?
Is It Still Religious?