https://vimeo.com/49717928]
Metal work for abstract sculptor, Eugene Perry, did not start as a form of art. Originally working for International Towers building cell phone tower equipment, Perry found little time and no monetary value in his blossoming love of art.
On his lunch breaks, Perry would use scrap metal to create pieces of art. “They were hideous,” said Perry, laughing, “but over time I developed a good eye.”
In 2007, Perry walked into a home décor store and was inspired by a sculpture, created by Korean artist, Jung Park, who would later become his mentor. Park taught him texture painting, which is found on many of his pieces. “He critiqued me,” said Perry, “made sure everything I did had a flow. Ever since then, everything I do has to have some kind of movement. That’s the biggest lesson he taught me.”
Perry’s inspiration for his art comes from his Christian faith. “God rejuvenates us through a process. I make beautiful sculptures out of rusty old scrap metal,” said Perry.
He compares the scrap metal that he originally worked with to the people that society has tossed aside. Perry’s work is meant to show the beauty that can come out of anything. “Everything can be bought back. Things can be forgiven. That’s what my work portrays. When it comes to people, there is nothing that should be thrown away.”
Though he is greatly inspired by his faith, he doesn’t always discuss the origin of his art with customers. “I don’t really share that with everyone because everyone’s not a Christian; everyone’s not going to take that in. They don’t really want to hear that.”
Perry spent the first 10 years of his life in Liberia, before moving to Philadelphia right before the Liberian civil war began in 1989. Despite his challenging upbringing, Perry has found that God’s love can still shine through, even in the darkest places. “A lot of my pieces represent love. I’m a caring person. I’m a loving person and that’s genuine.”
Perry’s studio is located right off of Frankford Avenue on the border of east Kensington. Regarding the neighborhood, he says, “It’s perfect. I don’t have any complaints with it. The neighborhood isn’t the safest, but I don’t have to worry about anything.”
Though he plans on perhaps one day teaching his trade as a certified welder, he wants to continue making art for as long as he is able. “There are no limitations on what I can try to create.”
For more information on the work of Eugene Perry, contact him at (215)-490-6962 or visit eugeneperry.com.
Be the first to comment