AMAZING BARRETT DEBUSK -AMERICAN, b. 1955- "Jazz Club" Sculpture. Cold-rolled, hand-bent steel rod, signed in the medium
"I just like to make stuff."
DeBusk has been creating art for over 30 years.
What began as an attempt to pass a drawing class using steel instead of pencil and paper has become a long and celebrated career that spans the globe.
DeBusk has entertained dignitaries at the American
Ambassador's home in Amsterdam, enjoyed successful gallery exhibitions from St. Louis to Tokyo, and all points in between.
His artwork has been treasured in the White House, on the big screen, in museums and public displays, and most importantly, in homes around the world.
By telling his stories in his narrative wall sculptures, he tells us OUR stories - from love and romance to smoky evenings in a jazz cafe, the world of DeBusk belongs to all of us.
DeBusk's uncomplicated illustration of subjects emphasizes his innovative use of materials, and a remarkable ability to capture a mood with simple lines. “It’s my way of drawing. I use torch and steel instead of pencil and paper.” The shadows produced by these wall hangings add a dramatic feel to every piece.
Affirming Barrett’s talent of expressing humor is a list of clients that includes Michael Jordan, Tara Lipinski, Jerry Seinfeld, Elaine Boosler and Norman Lear. His sculptures have shared the big screen with Steve Martin in the movie Housesitter, Low Down Dirty Shame, and are also included on the sets of several television shows. Debusk’s works are part of many collections throughout the world, from restaurants in the south of France, a children’s hospital in Chicago, Hilton Hotels, Carnival Cruise Lines, the Miniatuur Museum in Amsterdam, the American Embassy in Africa, and countless other locations, including England, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. A DeBusk angel adorned the Blue Room Christmas tree in 1993, and is in the permanent White House collection.
The medium in DeBusk’s art is simple and fun. The pieces are made one at a time, as requested, at the artist’s studio in Texas. Each piece is created from cold rolled, hand-bent steel rod that is welded together and put on “legs” that display it off of a wall for a shadow effect. Each piece is powder coated for indoor or outdoor viewing, making them extremely easy to care for and enjoy. Every piece is individually stamped and numbered as part of a small edition, complete with a certificate of authenticity.
His work has been featured in Art in America, Art News, American Style, Niche, Art Business News and the guild. DeBusk has exhibited at Art Expo in New York City, Art Americas in Miami, The Buyers Market of Contemporary Craft, Maison&Objet in Paris, and the American Craft Council. His outdoor works have been displayed at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, The World Soccer Games in Dallas, Carnival Cruise Lines, The University of Alabama, the City of Palm Desert, CA, the City of Dallas, and various other sites and events.
DeBusk’s creative evolution is apparent in his growing scope of designs. Scenes of musicians, jazz clubs, dancers, city streets, old theaters, lovers kissing, and children playing tell a story for everyone. Along with his ability to relate to people, his innate skill of satire, irony and love of life have enabled him to produce art that is easily recognizable and distinctly DeBusk.
Awards & Prizes
2011 Sculpture selected, two locations, Art in Public Places, Santa Fe,
2010 Featured in American Style magazine
2010 Sculpture selected, Art in Public Places, Santa Fe
2009 Sculpture for permanent display in Fort Worth Museum
2009 Sculpture in permanent collection at “Rainbows United”
2008 Sculpture chosen for “Art in the Streets” 6 month display, Mesa,
2008 Sculpture commissioned for Sheridan, WY 12 month display
2008 “Fat Happy Day” Fallbrook, CA Installation of pair of sculptures
2006-2008 Sculpture selected for City of Santa Fe Public Art Program
2008 Artwork on set of “Have Dreams, Will Travel” featuring Val Kilmer
2007 “Fat Happies” Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM permanent display
2007 Featured in American Style magazine
2007 SOFA Chicago - juried exhibition
2007 Sculpture commissioned for playground, Washington, D.C.
2006 Featured in American Style magazine
2006 “Happy, on Stairs” Frenchy Park, Santa Fe, NM Oct. 2006
2005-2006 “Fat Happy - Red, Yellow” 7’ - purchase, City of Palm Desert
2005 “Fat Happy & Fat Happy, Jr.” purchased by NECA, Indiana
2003 SOFA Chicago - juried exhibition
2004 “Walking Bobs” purchased by Washburn University
2004 Sculpture selected for display, University of Alabama
2004 Winner, Eighth Annual Washburn University Sculpture
2001 Delta State University, “The Bobs” selected for two year display
2001 Featured Walls, Windows & Floors “Discoveries” July 2001
2001 Featured Craft News&Events August 2001
2001 City of Dallas, Churchill Recreation Center
2001 Featured Art Business News Trends June 2001
2001 Featured Decor Spotlight June 2001
2000 University of Alabama “The Battle” purchased by university
2000 Featured St. Louis Post Dispatch “Get Out, The Fine Arts”
2000 Featured American Style News Autumn 2000
1999 Featured Art Business News, December 1999
1999 Featured St. Louis Post Dispatch (front page) & “The Fine Arts”
1997 Featured USA Today May 1997
