"The Story"
This is "IT" for me. Art that is.
In June of 2001 I decided to put a long and invaluable time of my life behind me so that I might allow myself the opportunity to explore my new and true found passions of creating three dimensional artworks.Then came September the 11th. What to do? I had just sold everything. I put my home on the market in order to finance my new adventure and retired from a secure position after 15 years of employment with the same company. "IT" was that important to me. Art that is. I have no regrets.

Background / Education:
It was never any secret what I would do with my life. As a youth growing up in northern California, I enrolled with the Art Instruction Schools of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a correspondence art school that once tutored and employed the late Charles Schultz, a hometown hero and "Peanuts" creator. I received my basic art certificate at the age of 14. In my high school years I exposed myself to the opportunities of the Sonoma County Regional Occupational Program where I worked and learned the art of Graphic Arts Communication. I received a special Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Arts Technology. This was the foundation where interest met inspiration. I continued my education with an Associate in Arts Degree from Santa Rosa Junior College while majoring in Graphic Arts. Following the artistic path,I began a career as a Lay Out Artist, a Silk Screen Printer, a Dark Room Technician and later emerged as the Art Director for three different Commercial Printing companies. Wow, did I learn a lot! It was during these 20 years that I would design and create children's board games, design textile prints for catalog companies , and help bring the ideas of others through the complete commercial production process.

Artist Statement:
This work is the result of my heart and passion.
It is inspired by my interest in antiques and history, a curious interest in curios and vintage items of interest. The antique quality is achieved
through a port hole in my soul that longs for and desires a more simple approach to life. A bye gone area of the forgotten awaits to be reawakened by a throwback busy mind. It is a contemporaries view that mixes its way into the assembled work that I create. Beyond the quaint and simple, this blend of the old and the new
evolves and morphs into a sometimes surreal vision. A recognized item out of place stirs a memory, a view back into the future is evoked, reminiscently inspired by Jules Vern. I am often summoned from within to bring such inspiration to life. Many works are interactive. There is a "rise to the challenge" approach when I introduce a kinetic quality to the work. Wether it is functional or just plan whimsy, a revolving door or musical instrument, the art can involve the mind and capture the eye of the viewer. This is fun to see. My joy is in creating this work and delivering a new way to look at old things. I hope that you will find joy as well in the artwork that I have grown to love,the artwork that I have titled, "Vintage Collectable Sculpture and Assemblage."

The Process:
I have titled my work “Vintage Collectable Sculpture and Assemblage.” I often utilize cast-off objects of our throw-away society that I like to call “discarded items of interest.” I also use antique collectibles, curios, and sometimes family heirlooms to create a vintage essence within my work. It is my responsibility to rescue these discarded items and give new life to them. I enjoy finding useful and creative ways to breathe souls into these objects and bring kinetic dreams to life. Whether I am creating a functional fountain from vintage appliances or a commissioned work in memory of loved ones, I take great care in restoration and treat each component with individual respect. My approach is to create a natural look to the assembled work by using creative methods. I do not weld. Each work of art I create is complete with an autographed photo page including an artist’s statement, poem, story, or inside information on the utilized components. This is proof of authenticity and considered part of the work.Thank you once again for this opportunity to share with you my "Vintage Collectable Sculpture and Assemblage."

Enjoy!
Artfully yours,
Monty Monty