George Beasley
2008
George Beasley was born in Ironton, Ohio in 1943. He achieved a B.F.A degree at the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1968 and a M.F.A. at Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1970. He is a tenured Professor of Fine Art and Coordinator of the Sculpture Program in the School of Art and Design at Georgia State University. He exhibits internationally and his work is found in numerous private, corporate and institutional collections. Inspiration for imagery in his sculpture and drawings has been developed through research into Celtic influences on European foundry history and practice. Issues of Sociology as molded by immigration patterns in the iron industry have had a profound affect on this research. Site-specific installations have been built to substantiate this research. They are at first performances, enabling the viewer to briefly experience the “dance” of iron making. The structures remain, giving visual testimony to the event. A series of cast bronze and iron sculptures have been made that derive their inspiration and composition from these events. They often serve as documents containing notation on the surface through the use of Ogham markings and Gallic verse. Presently he divides his time between residences in Atlanta and in Northeast Scotland near the Scottish Sculpture Workshop where he serves as member on their board of directors.
