Name: Nathan Pierce.
Age: 36.
Residence: Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from Southeast Missouri State University.
Exhibitions: SculptureWalk Sioux Falls; Outdoor Metal Sculpture Exhibit, Cape Girardeau; Beyond the Pedestal sculpture program, Cape Girardeau; Sculpture Garden, School of Visual and Performing Arts, Monroe, La.; Public Art League, city of Champaign/Urbana, Ill.
Number of sculptures in show: Two.
Do you plan to be in Salina for the unveiling: “Yes.”
What inspires you to create art? “I make completely abstract pieces, but it’s a very personal place these sculptures come from. They come from events that happen to me, things I’m going through. I create these pieces as a way of getting things out. It’s like therapy for me. Hopefully, I can create the same feelings in the viewer, and they can internalize these pieces and respond emotionally to them.”
What materials do you use to create your sculptures? “I like working with wood and steel. My outdoor pieces are mostly steel with some wood elements. I’m also starting to incorporate some found objects into my work. Sometimes you’re on a very tight budget, and you have to find ways to get your ideas out there without breaking your pocketbook.”
Why is public art important? “It promotes personal growth and change in people. It makes them think when they see something they’ve never seen before. It helps me make a personal connection with people out there.”
What is your impression of SculptureTour Salina, and why did you enter? “Every year, I create a couple of large-scale pieces. Then I get online and look for shows that are close enough for me to drive to in a day or so. My impression of Salina is that it looks wonderful. It’s a great opportunity for your community and for artists. I love to see new shows like this pop up and have the community support it. You have a very good program there, even in its second year.”
What do you hope the Salina public will gain from having an annual sculpture tour? “An appreciation for art. These programs for public art really inspire us as artists. But it’s also a huge inspiration for communities that get to do this every year. I wish there were more programs like this in Missouri. If you get the community to work with a program like this, it’ll make it, and it’ll be around a long time.”
