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Maquette to Monument
Written By: Charlotte Spears | Issue: 2018/08 - August
The August 27 meeting of the Highlands-Cashiers Art League at The Bascom will feature Academy Award-winning sculptor Wesley Wofford, whose art can be found in major motion pictures, installations around the country, and in his Cashiers studio. Wofford grew up in a small town in Georgia. After realizing his artistic capabilities, he decided to pursue a degree in Fine Arts at Valdosta State on a competitive arts scholarship.
He left school when he was 20 years old to move across the country to Hollywood, where the movie industry cultivated Wofford’s fascination with hyper-realism. Wofford produced sculptures almost indistinguishable from real people for more than 75 movies and television shows, allowing realistic stunts to be done without endangering the actors. He received an Emmy from the Academy of the Television Arts and Sciences and an Academy Award for his technical achievement in a special silicone used in makeup in motion pictures. Wofford is also an elected member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In 2002, Wofford moved back to the Southeast when he lost interest in the film industry. He creates sculptures for clients and personal enjoyment in his studio just steps away from his mountain home where he lives with his wife and two children. His pieces take months to create. The process involves three levels of clay sculptures, beginning with maquettes and then increasing in size until the final version is produced in bronze. Wofford’s work can be seen in the Nebraska State Capitol, Clemson University, and at many other venues across the country. Wofford is a member of The Portrait Sculptors Society of the Americas and was recently invited to join the Board of Directors of the National Sculpture Society, a distinct honor. His work in Highlands includes curating Inaugural Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition at The Bascom. The studio is run by Wofford and his wife, Odyssey, the Studio Director. Wofford’s son helped with the 3D printing of the ‘skeletons’ for the sculptures, making it a family affair. His family welcomes friends and visitors into their studio.
Wofford’s presentation is titled “Maquette to Monument-Enlargement of a Bronze Sculpture,” and will give insight on the process of creating bronze sculptures. The presentation will be helpful to aspiring sculptors and intriguing to everyone. A wine social will be at 4:30 P.M., followed by his presentation at 5:00 P.M.
