In the aptly named Constellation by James Barton, three undulating stems waver upwards, ending in spherical masses and then continue on, becoming arching curves along which other spheres appear to travel in cosmic rotation.  About the sculpture, Barton has stated, “Constellation is a reference to objects moving in space.”  The sense of movement in the sculpture is dynamic and imparts the understanding that these forms, according to Barton, “are traveling and not at their final place of rest.”  Another aspect of interest to the artist is the effect that the sun itself will have on the sculpture as it casts shadows onto the earth, offering a two-dimensional version of this celestial composition.

James Barton, a resident of New Jersey, received a M.F.A. in 1978 from Syracuse University in New York and prior to that a B.F.A. from S.U.N.Y. at Potsdam in New York.  In addition, Barton has served as an Advisory Board Member of the Glass Foundry at Sand Point in Seattle Washington and as a Steering Committee Member and Site Host for the International Conferences on Contemporary Cast Iron Art. He has also taught at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, at Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York, and at Syracuse University.  Barton has shown his sculpture in museums and galleries throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Constellation, 2001
cast aluminum
169" x 138" x 102"
Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.
Photo: Ricardo Barros.com