art

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery: ‘Metamorphosis’ exhibit

Sailfish by Joe Thompson

By PAM HARBAUGH

When is a fork not a fork? When it finds its way into the imagination and skill of sculptor Joe Thompson.

His exhibition, “Metamorphosis – The Transformative Art of Joe Thompson,” runs through July at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Melbourne.

Although the sculptures happily represent real life, look closer and you’ll find that life to Mr. Thompson’s sculptures comprises found objects, frequently cutlery. The exhibit also showcases Mr. Thompson’s aggressive take with large paintings, to which he has used house paint and a torch to make his own artistic imprint.

Formerly a self-taught wood sculptor, Mr. Thompson has received awards and impressive commissions. One was the 2011 commission to build a 20 foot tall stainless steel sculpture for the Canaveral Port Authority in Port Canaveral.

In a press release, he addressed the found-object nature of his art and stated: “I go to my shop everyday and give art a place to happen. I feel like if I am there waiting, eventually my subconscious is going to deliver something great. You just have to be diligent and keep the faith. Endurance is more important than Truth!”

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is at 1470 Highland Ave., Melbourne. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Call 321-259-8261 or visit FifthAvenueArtGallery.com.