On Thursday, July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Steve Burns and Helen Farnham from Markings Gallery, will present an artist talk and private viewing of their work and journeys as artists. The artist talk will take place at Markings Gallery, 50 Front Street, Bath. This is the second of our artist talk series.

Today Steve Burns works as a sculptor. Before retiring he made his living working in the top tier of the New York City art world. Burns restored many well known sculptures, by famous artists, for galleries and museums. He also worked as a union member in a special effects crew on major feature films and Broadway shows. Burns combined his skills as a certified welder, model and mold maker, rigger and pyro-technician to make the crazy details of movies happen: throwing people off buildings, setting people on fire, shot gun blast hits, flying people through the air in harnesses.

In his talk, Burns will speak about how his experiences, technical abilities and his education in earth and planetary sciences influence his sculptures. He will take you behind the scenes of the art world and tell you stories of sculptures being damaged by falling trees, careening, NYC garbage trucks and drunken collisions.

Burns says: “As a sculptor, I’m fascinated with the conjunction of science and art. My work examines how pseudo science, hoax and myth change how we experience our planet. I ponder past and future extinctions while working with modern structures and ancient anatomies.”

Exotic Animals Series in Needle Felt: Helen Farnham, fiber artist from Boothbay Harbor, is exhibiting new needle felt designs at Markings Gallery in July. Her fascination with exotic, wild animals are the subjects she is exploring in these needle felt designs. Large, dramatic, and colorful portraits of elephants, tigers, zebras and more emerge in all their glorious details.

Farnham’s love of art started in the home with her mother and grandmother inspiring and encouraging her creativity. She attended the University of Maine and focused on painting for many years. That love for mixing colors on canvas has served her well as she moved on to felting with wool fibers. Farnham is masterful in her blending of multiple colors to dramatic effect in her work. One can feel the excitement and personal inspiration Helen puts into each piece.

As this month’s sponsor, Bath Brewing Company is generously supplying refreshments. Join us for an inspirational talk and refreshments. Then, meet Steve over at Bath Brewing Company for a drink and more stories.

Markings Gallery represents over 50 fine Maine artisans. We offer an eclectic mix of exceptional works in clay, metal, fibers, paper, paint, stone and wood.