Jake Webster, BLUES: Notorious RBG, Guitar sculpture with wood, paint, fabric, and found objects, 48"x14"x13"

Jake Webster is a painter, sculptor, poet, and arts educator who works out of his home studio in Elkhart, IN. Throughout his career he has educated people of all ages and levels, curated countless exhibitions, published books of poetry, and co-owned and operated Artpost Gallery in South Bend. Jake is also the co-founder of the Ekphrastic Event for Sharing the Muse, which is the SBMA's annual poetry event. He has exhibited and has work in private and public collections around the U.S. and we are fortunate to have three of Jake's artworks in our permanent collection.

Artist statement excerpt:

The challenge one gets by direct carving and adding other materials is so rewarding. It allows me to experience making art without any hesitation or reservation. It's like I am collaborating with myself to prepare me to work with others. Because my inspiration comes from the environment in which I live, I always have an art project that I am working on. I am so moved by the people that come into my life, our shared stories become the foundation and the synergy for making art in this BIG/SMALL world. No matter how simple the solution we will find a way to make it complicated. Art allows us to communicate with one another without becoming angry and upset or shouting and shaking our fist when the topics become difficult. When others around us are saying let's be tolerant, Art says no, let us be respectful. Art helps us find that inner peace as we seek the tranquility in our physical world. Art allows us to dialogue when we feel good, and know it, within ourselves. Art builds the trust that feeds the soul so that one knows what is right.

https://www.jakewebster.org/