Bruce Bennett’s artist statement and curriculum vitae offer a personal and professional record of his life as a sculptor. In his own words and through decades of exhibitions, commissions, and public works, they document his enduring relationship with Tennessee marble and the East Tennessee landscape.
Artist Statement
My work with stone and creation of objects in marble and granite has been totally self-taught. As I learned the history of marble in East Tennessee and its use throughout the United States, I also learned a few of the skills necessary to cut, shape, and polish it. I incorporated it into the woodworking I was doing and then began to use only marble for furniture and sculpture. Eventually, I used it with other materials such as glass, metal, and neon.
Tennessee marble is one of the best materials in the world for use outside. It is ideal for creating environments in our gardens and parks. I have been working increasingly on outdoor pieces as a means of showing the value of nature and enhancing our enjoyment of it.
I am trying in my modest way to learn more of the stone working tradition, the uses of Tennessee marble past and present, and ways I can personally use it to enhance the beauty of the natural landscape. Tangible results of my efforts will be more furniture and sculpture from East Tennessee marble, the history of the people who worked this marble, and how it was used in art and architecture.
Bruce Bennett Business Card
You must be logged in to post a comment.