Local artist displays sculptures at Gallery of Inspiration

Timothy Godlove is called an artist for many reasons.

He's the lead vocalist for local metal-influenced rock band Isabella, which has recorded two full-length albums and plays frequently in the Cape Girardeau and St. Louis areas. He also earned a bachelor's degree in art last year from Southeast Missouri State University, with an emphasis on sculpture. As a student, he had multiple sculptures recognized by the university's annual Juried Student Exhibition.

As part of the First Friday with the Arts, Godlove's most recent body of work, "The Viewer," will be on display at the Gallery of Inspiration. The local artist said it's his first show outside of the university community.

The exhibit, which will be at the gallery throughout February, exclusively features sculptures, including three 8-foot-tall metal sculptures originally designed to be an outdoor display.

"They all started with this basic idea," Godlove said. "I started with triangles then distorted them. The idea was to imitate humans, because it's based on the idea that we all come from the same building blocks but we all become different things."

Submitted photo by Wes Langston Photography

The sculptures were made from various metals. Some parts were "grinded" to give them a different texture and appearance. Other parts were coated with gun blue, typically used to protect guns from oxidation and give them a dark patina.

The exhibit also will feature maquettes, small-scale model sculptures he designed before beginning work on the larger pieces. Maquettes of the large sculptures that will be on display, as well as other designs Godlove considered in the preproduction process.

Godlove said his favorite piece in the exhibit is "Bloom," one of the large sculptures that features two triangle shapes arranged to mimic a blooming flower.

"It was my last piece, and I feel like I really bloomed as an artist making that piece," he said.

He also believes "Bloom" is the best piece in the exhibit, but said he worked hard to give each piece a unique personality that would inspire and captivate viewers.

Since this is his first show outside the university, and his first since graduation, Godlove said he's not sure what reactions to expect.

"I think my work is something that doesn't happen around here a lot," he said. "I just hope they make people happy and that the people that come get something from it."

One day, Godlove said, he hopes to make another collection of large sculptures.

"I would love to make a new collection; it's just a matter of funds," he said. "I'm hoping people will like what they see at the gallery and buy some of the pieces. That would definitely help."

For now, Godlove said he plans to work on prints and small sculptures.

The First Friday reception for the Gallery of Inspiration in Bilderbach Plaza on North Main Street, is from 5 to 9 p.m. The reception will feature live music by Old School Hype as well as light refreshments and drinks from Hunter Valley Winery. The event is free and open to the public.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

5 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.