Lawrence Feir
Works
Biography
Kirstie
Lawrence Feir has been involved in the arts nearly his entire life. After graduating high school in Long Island New York he focused on the arts at Parsons School of Design in New York, later transferring to the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where he studied painting and sculpture.
In 1987 He opened a jewelry store in Huntington New York where he honed his skills as a silver smith creating one of a kind wearable sculptural pieces in sterling silver, gold and gem stones. Two years later Mr. Feir relocated to North Carolina and GTCC’s commercial art program majoring in Photography.
After apprenticing with Heroy-Cutroneo Studios in Greensboro Mr. Feir got a lucky break and got an assignment photographing an airliner at the Greensboro airport. His passion for aviation started as a young child growing up the son of an aeronautical engineer so he took to the assignment with great enthusiasm eventually working for several companies based at the airport.
As his photography skills improved he landed a position with Airways International magazine becoming the publications chief photographer two years later. Mr. Feir has traveled the world photographing aircraft for Boeing, Airbus Industries, Rolls Royce, Midwest Airlines and others. Tragically his aerospace career came to an abrupt halt on the day of September 11 th 2000 when terrorist used airliners as weapons against the citizens of the United States. In the wake of the 9/11 disaster with many airlines going out of business and the one’s remaining in dire financial condition Mr. Feir put down his cameras and went back to a different art form, sculpture.
He remains a sculptor to this day working mostly in steel and other metals. His focus remains on figurative works to this day.
Bibliography
Kirstie
Lawrence Feir...in his own words
Questions & Answers
How much do they weigh? Will I have to have a special support put in to mount the piece on the wall?
How do I care for my sculpture?
Nothing special needed. Simply dust every now and then and enjoy!
What are your sculptures made of?
Welded steel and metal found objects. I use a mig and or a tig welder to assemble each piece.
Where do you get your materials from?
Here and there, metal recycling facilities, scrap yards, yard sales, Good Will. Sometimes people bring me things after they've cleaned out their garages or attic.
How long does it take you to make each piece?
This is not a simple question. It starts with finding a suitable model to sit for a body cast. The cast is taken and now I have an accurate 3d model or the original person to work from. I often modify and stylize the original form to suit. Materials are collected, sorted, cleaned and processed. It is now that assembly of the finished piece can begin. Each one is unique and each piece is finished and signed when I'm satisfied with it.
How long have you been an artist? How long doing these figurative pieces?
I've been an artist since I could grasp my first crayon sometime in the early 1960's. In the past I have worked in paint, silver jewelry, glass and many metals. I've remained focused on figurative works for the past 20 years.
Can I put my piece outside?
The finish and patina on the finished piece is designed for indoor exposure. Moisture and other elements may change the intended look of the piece.