Rising Stars: Meet Jacob Burmood of Saint Joseph

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Burmood.

Hi Jacob, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age, I loved making things. I spent a lot of time outdoors exploring, and would dig up clay, build forts, and make paths through the forest. Before I was ten, I wanted a knife so that I could carve wood, but my parents said I had to wait until I was older, so I carved sticks on the concrete stairs outside my house. I took every art class available to me during high school, and in college I majored in sculpture. I also took a lot of ceramics classes, and eventually went to graduate school and pursued an MFA in ceramics. I began making large-scale work while at the University of Kansas and from there began exhibiting in outdoor sculpture exhibits across the nation.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been smooth. I have had to work a variety of jobs to supplement my income. I’ve donated plasma, delivered pizza, done carpentry, and taught as an adjunct professor to make ends meet. I typically work about 60 hours a week and still struggle financially, even now, but it is worth it to have the freed0m and privilege to do what I love.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work explores the fluid nature of the universe and of the human body. I have several approaches. One is to create three dimensional drawings with wire that I build on and flesh out to create sweeping movements through space. Another is to use fabric to map the invisible forces that flow through material, allowing tension and gravity to be revealed in the drapes and folds. Through a process I have developed over the years, I transform the fabric into bronze or aluminum castings.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find an artist working in the discipline you are interested in and befriend them, or better yet, work for them. I learned most of what I know working for other sculptors.

Pricing:

• Pricing is by size and material
• Cold-cast aluminum: 32-40″ $5,000-7,000
• Cast bronze: 32-40″ $11,000-14,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jacobburmood.com/home.html
• Instagram: jacob_burmood_sculpture
• Facebook: Jacob Burmood