J. Harrison Smith
Fine Art
Gallery & Studio
Biography of J. Harrison Smith
Bronze Sculpture Artist
Master of the Lost Wax Process
Whether sculpting representational figures or abstracts, the piece must speak in aesthetic terms. It’s all about form, line, texture, and shape, and their relationship to one another and to the viewer. 3D artist, like 2D artist, should be cognizant not only of the subject in terms of positive space, but, perhaps more importantly, the negative space and the conversation that evolves between them and the viewer.
Our world has never been static and never will be, but there is an order to all natural things. Nature mutates; civilizations rise and fall; but the underlying order is what shapes my art.
One of my goals in sculpting is to convey the complexity, movement and strength of the human condition, and the harmony between physical and emotional lives. I try to capture humanity in all of its instantaneous, fleeting moments. My works reflect emotional states- remorse, fear, reflection, anger, contentment, joy, or ecstasy – through physical forms. Each sculpture I create contains its own meaning and individual spirit. I hope, by recreating the human body, to draw the viewer into a contemplative understanding of life itself.
Jim’s Biography: The Beginning
James Harrison Smith ( Jim ) Started sculpting bread dough at the age of three. He has maintained his ardent passion for sculpting ever since, drawing on the experiences of his life to capture the richness and depth of the human experience, which is of paramount importance to his work.
After a year as a metal foundry worker in Elkhart, Indiana where he grew up, Jim joined the United States Navy submarine service and served on board the USS Triton where he received several awards, including the Presidential Citation for sub-circumnavigating the ocean in 85 days. Sculpting the likenesses of his crew mates and the study of anatomy were pastimes that later led to further study at Ball State and the University of New Mexico. Boxing and football were formative activities during this time. Business studies redirected Jim into a successful career in business. He owned a large process control and analytical instrumentation business for many years. Jim was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, and was later elected Pinellas County Property Appraiser. In the past decade, Jim returned to his passion, art, and in particular, sculpting.
Jim has been an advocate of the arts throughout his life. He has supported the Florida Orchestra, the Florida Youth Symphony, and during his in the legislature, wrote and sponsored a bill supporting public funding of art in new government buildings. Jim has also been president of the boards of the YMCA of the Suncoast , and West Coast Council of the Boy Scouts.
As a father of five, Jim finds beauty and wonder in all stages of life and his sculptures of children are some of his most powerfully moving pieces.
Jim’s sculptures are highly realistic and beautifully proportioned, revealing his in depth knowledge of anatomy and his passion for capturing the body in motion. Jim’s works speak of a deep appreciation for the beauty and perfection of the human form and spirit. He captures both the likeness of his subject and the subtle, intimate hues of emotion that reveal to the viewer his animated, unspoken message.
Each sculpture is unique in form and character, with a richness and depth of expression that is heightened through Jim’s use of unique patinas and simple mounting.
Studios and Shows
Jim’s work can be commissioned and limited editions are available for purchase at the J. Harrison Smith Fine Art Gallery and Studio he founded in Clearwater, Florida in 2003. Jim also enjoys gallery representation at Craighead in Carmel, California.
Jim has sculptures permanently on display outside the Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater, at St. Paul’s School in Clearwater, at St. Alfred's Catholic Church in Palm Harbor, at the 22nd Street\Elementary School ( Arts Magnet ) in St. Petersburg, and outside the city Library in Safety Harbor. He is currently working on several commissions, one to be installed by the Dunedin Historical Society and another ten foot sculpture to be installed at the Navy Shipyard in Washington, DC and the Navy’s Diving School in Panama City, FL, and other sites.
For additional information on any of Jim’s projects or to commission a sculpture, please call the Gallery at 727-443-6646.
1356 South Fort Harrison, Clearwater, Florida 33756