College of Arts and Architecture
School of Visual Arts
METAL ART/TECHNOLOGY
JAMES THURMAN
Assistant Director and Assistant Professor of Art
Website: http://www.personal.psu.edu/jat17
M.F.A. in Metalsmithing, Cranbrook Academy of Art, 2000
B.F.A. in Sculpture, Carnegie Mellon University, 1993
James Thurman’s current body of work explores the development of
objects through the intersection of concept, material, and process. Some
of the currently employed processes include layered construction techniques,
woodturning, metalsmithing, and digital fabrication. The relationship
and influence of evolving technologies on more traditional hand-made object
making is a growing aspect within this work. Many of the artworks take
form as containers or vessels as a metaphoric foundation and entry point
for viewers. The inspiration of the work is strongly affected by critical
issues within his community and locale as they relate to larger global
concerns, particularly related to the environment.