artist quote:

"I always respect the form and beauty of natural materials while carefully crafting a fine art piece that will cast its glow for a lifetime."

artist statement:

After a 25 year artistic hiatus, David Cary started creating functional and decorative art -- often made from the natural materials found in the mountains near his home in Ridgway, Co.

Driftwood from local waterways, fallen branches, red willow, deer antlers, feathers, turquoise and hand made, water colored rice paper are assembled into lamps, mirrors, sculptures and wall art that reflect their origin yet are beautifully functional. Interestingly Dave's pieces fit well in both rustic and contemporary settings. You can design an entire room around one of Dave's dramatic larger pieces.

Each piece Dave creates is one of a kind. Lamps combine delicate, contorted willow with water-worn wood and ribbed antlers. When lit, these pieces reflect the texture of wood and the vibrancy of watercolor. Naturally shed antler lamps echo the strength of buck mule deer that abound in the area. His latest wall art reflects the character of old world european tinted plaster techniques, which is often combined with sculptured ceramic busts.

Every piece of wood receives Dave's touch, from multiple fine sandings to several coats of hand applied, low VOC, water-based finish and a final application of citrus wax.

Lampshades are painstakingly created from Japanese Rice Paper, which Dave water colors (often to reflect the setting sun at 7700 feet altitude in the San Juan Mountains where he lives). The rice paper is then lined with Mulberry paper and meticulously attached to wood or antlers to form a shade. Many lamps are highlighted with turkey feathers, turquoise, trade beads, copper and brass. Dave's wife calls the lamps "Lightships", which is also the name of his studio.

Education: BS in Liberal Arts, LeMoyne College, Syracuse, NY

Exhibitions:

Ridgway Public Library, Ridgway, CO: One Man Show, 2011

Palladin Art & Design, Ridgway, CO: Group Show, 2008/2009, Solo Show, 2010

Lakota Living, Montrose, CO: Group Show, January 2009

Kagan & Baron Gallery of Fine Art, Montrose, CO: First Friday One Man Show, October, 2008

Ridgway Arts Rendezvous, Ridgway, CO: Annual Juried Exhibition, August, 2008

Ridgway Public Library, Ridgway, CO: Juried Charity Auction 2006 and 2008

"lightships" lamps & mirrors:

After a 25 year artistic hiatus, David Cary started creating functional art – lamps and mirrors made from the natural materials found in the mountains near Ridgway, CO. Driftwood from local waterways, fallen branches, red willow, deer antlers, turkey feathers, turquoise and hand made, water colored rice paper are assembled into forms that reflect their origin yet are beautifully functional. I always respect the form and beauty of the natural materials while crafting a fine art piece that will cast its glow for a lifetime, Dave says.

Every piece of wood in David's lamps and mirrors receives his touch, from multiple fine sandings to several coats of hand applied finish and a final application of citrus wax. All wood is attached with screws, which are then "hidden" to match the surrounding material. Lampshades are painstakingly created from Japanese Rice Paper, which Dave water colors (often to reflect the setting sun at 7700 feet altitude in the San Juan Mountains where he lives). The rice paper is then lined with Mulberry paper and meticulously attached to wood or antlers to form a shade. Many lamps are highlighted with turkey feathers, turquoise, trade beads, copper and brass. Dave's wife calls the lamps "Lightships", which is also the name of his studio.

"frescoes":

In 2009, Dave added contemporary "frescoes" -- tinted plaster wall pieces to his repertoire. Inspired by old European plaster walls and the school of art known as hyperrealism, this new take on an old technique creates dimensional wall art that juxtaposes satiny smooth shades of plaster with rough lathe underpinning. Dave slowly applies layers of tinted plaster over lathe, then sands down certain areas to reveal plaster layers beneath along with some of the lathe. A final hand polishing of the plaster gives each piece an amazingly silky finish, which greatly enhances details and dimensions.

aspen "blessing sticks" for hiking, walking or decor:

Aspen Blessing Sticks are hand crafted hiking sticks. Each is beautifully hand finished and embellished with hand scribed with an Irish or Native American "blessing" and highllighted with gemstone beads. Blessing sticks are available at: etsy/com/shop/lightshipsart.