Artist's Statement

I have always had a love for shapes and proportions, for symmetry and balance. Sculpting in metal has provided me with the means to best express this.

The unique properties of metals and the techniques used to shape and weld them together, results in a finished work that has a permanency of form, which can be "touched" and "viewed" from an infinite number of angles.

I picture the sculpture in my mind before I begin. However; sometimes shapes and curves are determined by the tendency and direction of bend that the metal desires, creating a form unique to what I had imagined. This is exciting for me, as it allows the work to go beyond my own personal limitations of design.

Artist's Bio

Born in Lafayette, Indiana - 1949, Tom Bishop, the youngest of 4 children, contributes much of his metal working interests and success to his father, Floyd, who's work as an iron worker and welder for over 50 years - was a great source of inspiration.

While attending Purdue University in 1969, Tom was called into the armed forces and spent the next 5 years serving in the U.S. Air Force in the Far East. Intrigued by the different cultures, Tom eagerly attended classes where he learned the Japanese language, received a black belt in the martial arts and an electronic engineering degree.

After being stationed in Texas for his final 2 years of service, Tom found that he had grown to love the area, and decided to make Texas his home. Hired in 1976 by General Electric Medical Systems, he spent the next 21 years working on X-ray, CT Scanners & Heart Catheterization equipment. Although the work was rewarding,……there was always a longing to do something "special" with his hands and artistic abilities.

In 1981, Tom began developing a process of metal sculpting. Spending every free moment kneading sheet steel and welding bronze, he soon found that both fine art collectors and individuals across the state were in great desire of his unique, handcrafted, one of a kind originals.

Continuing his career in electronics, sculpting only in his spare time - it was the death of his father late in 1995, that made him step back and reflect on what is important in life. Tom resigned from GE in the fall of 1996, designed and had built his own welding/sculpture studio, and now creates full-time, heart & soul!

As a tribute to his father's memory comes "Floyds By Thom".

Artist's Resume

RECENT EXHIBITS
September 2003 - "Sculptfest" sponsored by TSOS; Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, Austin, Texas
May 2003 - "Sculptors' Dominion Invitational"; 11418 Vance Jackson, San Antonio, Texas
April 2003 - "TSOS Spring Exhibit" (juried); First Unitarian Universalist Church, Austin, Texas
November 2002 - "Sculptfest" sponsored by TSOS; Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, Austin, Texas
August-September 2002 - "Dragon*Con Art Show" (juried); Atlanta, Georgia
July 2002 - "Dimensions," TSOS Members Exhibit (juried); ACA Gallery, Austin, Texas
April-May 2001 - "Material and Concept" Featured Artist; Agora Gallery, 560 Broadway, SOHO, New York
July-August 2000 - "SOHO International Art Competition" Winning Sculpture "Son of Fireflight"; Agora Gallery, 560 Broadway, SOHO, New York

Contact Artist

Tom Bishop
6412 Jennings Drive
Austin, Texas 78727
E-mail: tombishop@tsos.org
Tel. 512-335-0264 (USA)