Wes Hallmark
Chickasha, OK
Wes, a self-taught artist, continuously seeks improves by learning from his mistakes. He’s been engaged in creative endeavors throughout his adult career, acquiring skills by staying busy creating various objects like leather purses, wind chimes, lamps, peace and love generators, and yard art. These pursuits honed his skills, which he now employs in creating metal sculptures, from tabletop to large yard art pieces.
Wes’s work career began when he enrolled in Chickasha High School’s vocational education program and was hired as a darkroom technician at Carl’s Photo Studio. This trade proved beneficial, and in 1976, he secured employment at KWTV in Oklahoma City. During his tenure there, he developed skills in photo journalism, video editing, and operating live TV trucks. In 1985, he was recruited by a television news station in Detroit, Michigan, where he resided and worked for 30 years before retiring and moving back to Chickasha with his wife.
Upon returning to Chickasha, Wes discovered his passion for metalworking. He finds immense fulfillment in creating with metal, entering a state of flow where time seems to suspend and energy flows effortlessly. He often completes pieces of art before realizing it, consistently surprised by what he’s created.
Wes utilizes his friend’s farm as his art supply store, where rusty gems and steel pieces that have developed patina and character. He also incorporates casted-off items found along the roadside, plumbing pipe, re-bar and round bar into his creations.
Wes’s observes how light affects the shape and form of his found steel pieces, identifying what excites him and begins his work from there. Wes enjoys attempting to portray animals or humans that might hold significance for viewers. He finds a rusty piece that resembles a head or a torso, and fabricates the rest of its character. He believes his inspiration stems from maintaining an open mind and embracing a creative lifestyle.
Wes’s intention is to provoke thought and encourage viewers to interpret his work based on their own experiences. His are has been exhibited at the art wrecker gallery in Chickasha and the Goddard gallery in Ardmore.
