This month’s Meet the Author series will feature the unique work of Barry McCallion.
McCallion is a sculptor and artist who began his creative journey in the Bronx, New York. He holds degrees in English Literature from Columbia University and Sculpture from Claremont Graduate University. His work has been shaped by extensive travel and artistic residencies in Berlin, Paris, New Zealand, and Australia. McCallion currently resides in Springs, New York.
Even when traveling the world, Springs, N.Y., has served as both an early and returning point of inspiration in McCallion’s artistic journey. His creative process is sometimes driven by themes of social consciousness, addressing issues such as extinction, pollution, and environmental protection. In one such book, he tells the story of Earth’s fragility on rare Japanese nacre pearl paper, a material crafted in a method that is increasingly threatened by a rapidly changing global environment.
Barry McCallion, known for his ability to bring literary narratives to life, began working on the Oarsman series in 1970. His vision, as he recalls, came to him in the form of "a man in a rowboat, hovering in the air" in the middle of his living room. This surreal image became the catalyst for his exploration of the Oarsman’s story, combining fine art with written works to create a deeply immersive and at times introspective experience.
This Meet The Author will kick off the Springs Historical Society’s (SHS) Art Committee exhibit: The Oarsman’s Library: Books by Barry McCallion at the Springs Community Library. The work will be on view from January 10 to 26. Opening reception will be on Friday, January 10 from 4:30-6:30pm.
Also on display throughout Springs Library will be McCallion’s prints and fold-out style books, both current and past works.
