Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyson Snow.
Hi Tyson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a small child I often spent time observing things around me and sketching. I was recognized as a “kid with talent” by friends, school teachers and family. I was once asked by an elementary teacher to draw something for her that was going to be entered into a teacher only art competition. My drawing came back as the winner, and she admitted that she had been helped.
Later, I had an amazing high school art teacher, Mrs. Dennis. She, believing I had something to offer, would put various fine art mediums in front of me and simple say, “make something” as she walked away.
One of these projects involved a white pencil and a black piece of paper. Unbeknownst to me, she was taking these and entering them into art competitions…
This started a series of shows and awards that continued to build confidence into my adulthood. Sculpture was something that I had always wanted to do but couldn’t afford.
I moved into selling more refined white pencil drawings in a fine art gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. I was eventually able to afford to start casting small statues in bronze. I then moved into larger works where I have continued to receive commissions to produce monumental works for both public and private installations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel as though I have been lead and blessed in specific ways but I have certainly worked hard. The road has often been a bumpy one. As any professional artist will tell you, there are lean years and fat years. Typically, when it rains it pours.
Early on, I asked artists if I could come and be a “fly on the wall“ in the studio, to observe them work. This was often met with a kind refusal, which I never understood. I promised that I would never do the same. The world is a big place with plenty of wall, space, and a room for everyone’s art.
One of the most difficult things to do is to “stick with it” regardless of success. For me, while trying to balance and support a young family, the trick was not to give up, or give into fear and find a more “conventional job”. I believe that it is the conviction, hard work, and refusal to back down that eventually paid off.
Especially in the public art realm, competition is fierce. As with many things in life, consistency is key. I am now in a place where I am often approached directly without having to enter competitions for commission to work.
I feel as though things are starting to even out a little more, and I am finding that I have to turn work away.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in traditional figurative sculpture. I almost exclusively cast in bronze. At the moment, public monuments (nearly all human figures) are taking up much of my time, but in my personal work, I am hopefully known for figurative art that is quiet and meaningful. I’m not sure that I can label myself as a symbolist, but I strive to fuse my work with them. This way, I can offer work that is layered. First, I want it to be approachable and aesthetically pleasing. Once that is accomplished my hope is that the viewer will gain more from the work as they contemplate.
For me, art serves its truest purpose if it is relatable and speaks to everyone… Art that communicates our importance as a human family. Images that cause us to reflect on our relationships and responsibilities to one another. Doing so allows the work to remain timeless.
The thing that may set me apart from others artists is an ability to sculpt the figure, faces, likenesses, and drapery all equally well. My gallery in Santa Fe also told me that there are very few artists that can move from one discipline to another, such as sculpting, drawing, and painting as seamlessly or with as much ease.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am using the contact and through social media. Namely, Instagram and my website.
IG @tysonsnowart
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Tysonsnow.com
- Instagram: @tysonsnowart
