Bringing Life to Bronze
Not just a phrase, but a way of creating art, James Herrmann has been embracing this artistic credo all of his life.
Enjoy and be captivated.
The subject matter reflects James's interest and love of science , fantasy, mythology and wildlife. Using his knowledge of anatomy and animal movement to breathe life into bronzes. James hopes viewers of his sculptures of prehistoric animals or of works of complete fantasy, find them to be as full of life as his sculptures of creatures alive today. In all cases, he makes his art dynamic by capturing a moment in time, the wonder, the energy and the vitality of life.
Fantasy & Mythology
I have always been interested in science fiction, fantasy and mythology. I cannot begin to remember all of the books I have read and movies I have watched in this genre. I have always had a vivid imagination; I can imagine the creatures that an author describes and find great pleasure in bringing what I imagine “to life”. I find creating these 3-D works of art to be very enjoyable. These works, while created in a literal or realistic style are of a subject matter that has no real right or wrong. These creations can be whatever I want them to be. These are unique sculptures that exist only in my imagination, nowhere else. They are lots of fun to create.
Paleontological
As a child I developed a keen interest in dinosaurs and other long extinct creatures. I could imagine what they looked like and how they might have acted. As I got older I never out grew this love of the prehistoric. In college I majored in geology, in no small part because of my continuing interest in paleontology. The fossils left behind as the physical evidence of past life are only an outline of this past world. These creatures were living breathing organisms. It is my pleasure to use my imagination to create a moment from the past and bring “back to life” these long extinct creatures. My paleontology sculptures are a creative blend of art and science.
Domestic & Wildlife
I grew up on a small farm where we raised livestock and had various pets. When I was sixteen I volunteered at the Cincinnati Children’s Zoo. My experience in working with the many animals there is one that I will never forget. In college I followed up my love of wildlife with extensive course work in the biological sciences. In my animal sculptures I draw upon my lifetime of familiarity with animals to create art that captures the personalities and qualities that make each animal special. I invest my artwork with the energy and vitality that the living animals possess using my scientific training and firsthand experience as a guide.