Explore the world of Craig Campbell FNSS
public art sculptures and more
Discover the captivating world of renowned sculpture artist Craig Campbell FNSS. His extraordinary talent brings life to clay and metal, creating pieces that resonate with emotion and depth. Each sculpture tells a unique story, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricate details and the artistry behind every creation. Explore Craig's remarkable portfolio and experience the beauty of his work firsthand.
JOURNEY AT REST
aka "Lucy"
Altamont, NY
Lucy sits at the beautiful kiosk marking the northern terminus of "The Long Path." Special thanks to Historic Altamont for including us in this historic project. We hope Lucy will inspire and touch many hearts for generations to come.
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”
Henry David Thoreau
This morning my wife and I were walking our dogs on the trails surrounding our off-grid cabin. A tiny purple flower caught my eye, and I was captivated by it. I looked up and saw the trees of the forest around us, then above the trees I saw the sky. I thought that to the flower I am the tree – to the trees I am the flower – to the sky we are all the flowers. I realized that no matter how big or small we are, we can do great things. Like, gathering here today to welcome Lucy to her new home.
I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to Historic Altamont, the Patrons, supporters, students, and to everyone that had a hand in making this dream a reality. I’d also like to thank my wife, Heidi, for her undying love and support for what I do for a living.
I’m a Sculptor, the gift I get to share with the world is in clay and bronze. Not so much in words. I’d like to borrow some words from a guy named J.R.R. Tolkien; he wrote:
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost…”
I’ve thought on these words, and it makes me wonder why we leave our homes, routines, and comforts, to strap on a pair of boots, fill a bag, and wander off into the wilderness.
Is it adventure, or wanderlust, as Tolkien suggests?
Perhaps it is connection. Connecting with nature, history, and ourselves. Then we bring that connection back to share with our communities.
I’d like to share a bit about the process of creating this monument. We had several discussions as to what it should be, and what it should communicate. We realized it couldn’t be limited to any one person but had to encompass all who are courageous enough to venture beyond their comfort zones. I needed to get to know who this was, so I sat down and wrote this –
"The breeze kisses her face as she sits, tears of joy and triumph welling up inside her as she takes in the beauty around her.
She recalls the pain, hardships, and struggles it took to get here, along with the beauty and glory of the vistas and the serenity of the forest.
The more she walked, the more she discovered herself, and the more the noise of the world faded away.
Sitting here, she realizes that both she and the world have changed. She is stronger, freer, and more at peace than ever before - renewed and invigorated.
She embodies the tenacious beauty within us all—and that is love."
So, meet “Lucy,” she walked a Long Path to get here.
BEAR TRACKS!
Now installed at B. Finley Vinson Plaza, Little Rock, AR
Special thanks to:
National Sculptors Guild
Bronze Services of Loveland
Shipper's Supply
Sculpture at the River Market
WER Architects
And all the great people of Little Rock, AR
"There’s a song by a fella named Johnny Horton called “Ole Slew-foot”. It’s a song about a bear, a big scary monster of a bear that nobody could tame or catch him. As a little boy I would sit with my grandpa, and he would try to teach me how to whittle wood. I was a young boy and restless and always looking to get into mischief. One day he sat me down and he said, “boy, sit down!” I did, and he said, “let me tell you something…” then he imparted some of his grandpa wisdom on me that stuck with me all these years. He said, “son, if you go into the woods looking for a bear, you’ll never find him. But, if you sit quiet, he might just come around.”
I thought about those words recently and wondered what that would look like. So, I grabbed some clay and started pushing it around, next thing I know “Bear Tracks!” was born.
Bear Tracks! Is a very special piece because it carries the message that when you come face-to-face with the untamed spirit of nature, sometimes the best thing you can do is just enjoy the ride." -Craig Campbell
BEAR TRACKS!
NSG Fellow Craig Campbell's design "BEAR TRACKS!" won last night's Sculpture at the River Market competition and will be the next Public Art placement in Little Rock, AR! We're so excited and look forward to working with Little Rock Parks & Recreation during the installation placement once cast in bronze
Massive thanks to Sculpture at the River Market, The National Sculptors' Guild, and all who helped to make this dream a reality!
The Intersection of Art and Emotion: How Craig Campbell's Sculptures Evoke Feelings.
Art has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions within us. Whether it be joy, sadness, awe, or contemplation, the ability of a piece of art to tap into our emotions is a testament to its impact. One artist who adeptly harnesses this power is Craig Campbell, a renowned sculptor known for his ability to create works that resonate on a deep emotional level.
Craig Campbell’s sculptures are mesmerizing in their ability to evoke feelings. Each piece is meticulously crafted to tell a story, capturing the essence of human emotion and experience. Whether it is a sculpture of a joyful dancer caught mid-move or a contemplative figure lost in thought, there is a profound sense of connection that Campbell captures through his art.
One of the most striking aspects of Campbell’s work is his attention to detail. His sculptures are lifelike, with every contour, expression, and gesture meticulously rendered. This attention to detail brings his figures to life, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in the emotions conveyed. It is this level of authenticity that makes Campbell’s sculptures so evocative – they tap into the universal experiences and emotions that we all share.
Emotions often transcend words, and art serves as a medium to express and communicate these complex feelings. Campbell’s sculptures beautifully illustrate the power of nonverbal communication, allowing viewers to connect with the emotions portrayed in ways that words often fail to capture. The pieces become a visual language for expressing the depth and complexity of human emotions.
Furthermore, Campbell’s choice of materials adds another layer of emotional depth to his sculptures. He often works with bronze, a material that holds historical and symbolic significance. The rich patina of the metal adds a sense of timelessness to his works, while also reflecting the human experience of aging and the passage of time. This choice of material imbues his sculptures with a sense of permanence, further amplifying the emotional impact they have on the viewer.
Craig Campbell’s sculptures have the ability to transport viewers to a different emotional plane. Whether it be through the expressions captured on the faces of his figures or the fluidity of their movements, his art uncovers an emotional truth that resonates deeply within us.
In a world where emotions can sometimes be difficult to express or understand, Craig Campbell’s sculptures provide an outlet for connection and reflection. In their presence, we are invited to explore the depths of our own emotions, as well as the shared experiences that connect us all. Through his art, Campbell reminds us of the power of human connection and the profound ability of art to evoke feelings. NEWSPRONTO.CO.UK
ABRACADABRA!
2023 - "ABRACADABRA!" is on the cover of City of Loveland ACTIVITY GUIDE!
Come see ABRACADABRA and all the great sculptures at Sculpture in the Park this year!
August 11 - 13, Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland, CO
THE SAVAGE STUDIO
OF CRAIG CAMPBELL
After filming MONUMENT GUYS for the HISTORY Channel, I was offered my own show!! It's called THE SAVAGE STUDIO of CRAIG CAMPBELL. When the pandemic hit, the show was put on hold. Here, we can share the preliminary sketch and a sculpting reel. Enjoy!
ABRACADABRA!
2022 - "ABRACADABRA!" is installed as part of the permanent collection at:
+ Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland, CO
+ The Heights collection, Little Rock, AR
-please see our Studio page for more photos.
The Boxer
"The Boxer" wins Fred and Cheryl Newby Patrons Award!
88th Annual Awards Exhibition
Brookgreen Gardens
June 12th - August 22, 2021
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Award Winners Exhibition
October 4 - December 10, 2021
NSS Gallery, New York, New York
ABRACADABRA!
COMING SOON!!!
Craig Campbell and the National Sculptors' Guild will be placing a new bronze in the Little Rock, Arkansas public art collection, "Abracadabra" will soon add a bit more magic to the area.
This sculpture depicts an aspiring Magician whimsically practicing his tricks for an attentive audience of his dog, a mouse, and a stuffed bunny. My inspiration in creating Abracadabra is as a reminder that there is a power greater than us all and it is important to look for the “magic” in everything. In this piece I set out to create a fun, approachable, engaging monument to the simple joys of life, and the belief that with friends, focus, practice, and perhaps a bit of magic we can overcome all difficulties.
A smile can be contagious! Abracadabra is meant to spread a bit of happiness and hopefully share a smile with all who engage with it.
Follow the process of this Work in Progress Wednesday... http://www.jk-designs-inc.com/.../a-little-bit-of-magic...
National
Sculpture
Society
2020 - "Elected Sculptor Member"
Massive thanks to National Sculpture Society Fellows and to all who made this possible! I am exceedingly grateful for the honor of being the newest elected member of the National Sculpture Society.
Founded in 1893, the National Sculpture Society (NSS) was the first organization of professional sculptors formed in the United States. The purpose of the organization was to promote the welfare of American sculptors, although its founding members included several renowned architects. The founding members included such well known figures of the day as Daniel Chester French, Augustus St. Gaudens, Richard Morris Hunt, and Stanford White as well as sculptors less familiar today, such as Herbert Adams, Paul W. Bartlett, Karl Bitter, J. Massey Rhind, Attilio Piccirilli, and John Quincy Adams Ward—who served as the first president for the society.
NSS promotes the knowledge of excellence in sculpture inspired by the natural world. Its members create, interpret, exhibit, collect and support the evolving tradition in American sculpture.
National
Sculptor's
Guild
2020 - The National Sculptors' Guild Fellows have elected Craig Campbell as an Associate Member, His work is expressive and covers the gamut of subjects from strong and serious, to playful and imaginative; figurative or wildlife. We can't wait to see what new creations come from his studio and are eager to place some fantastic public art with Craig.
Over the Moon!
2020 - Our new sculpture "Over the Moon" is installed as part of the permanent collection at Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, Little Rock AR
-please see our Studio page for more photos.
Cat and Mouse
2020 - Our new sculpture "Cat and Mouse" is installed as part of a private collection in Wichita, KS
-Please see our Studio page for more photos.
Tuscan Sculpture Symposium 2018
In September of 2018, a group of 8 sculptors gathered together in the heart of Tuscany to sculpt together while experiencing the richness of Renaissance art and culture. Massive thanks to Lorri Acott, Adam Schultz, Philippe Faraut, Serena Bates, Judith Davis, Pati Stajcar, Chris Wilson, Craig Campbell, Herb and Jessica Saperstone, and our friends at La Meridiana for this amazing collaboration. (check out the video link below).
TOOTSIE's
Tootsie's is a new Dog Spa in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We had the great pleasure of working with Jill and Kristie to install 10 new unique SCRiBBLeS murals inside and outside the building. Come on by and check out Tootsie's!
(website link below)
Mud Haus
Mud Haus is a new Venue Showroom located in Wichita, KS. Exhibiting the wonderful works of:
2 dogs Concrete Designs
Craig Campbell
Ernest Vincent Wood III
Benson Sculpture Garden
2018 - Our new sculpture "Into the Wind" is installed as part of the permanent collection at Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland Colorado.
Bucknell Bison
It's with great honor that we announce the new Bucknell University Bison. This 8' bronze Bison is prominently installed on campus outside Kenneth Langone Athletics and Recreation Center. (full article below)
Monument Guys
History and art come together at the Crucible Foundry in Norman, Okla. Started in 1999 by brothers Mark and Steve Palmerton, the Crucible's staff helps to bring history to life by creating bronze statues of figures from the past -- whether dead or alive, well-known or forgotten. Led by sculptor Craig Campbell, the team researches, sculpts and casts bronze statues of the historic figures.