NSB Regional Library - Harry Messersmith
Lady Yoruba, 1999
Concrete and cast bronze
Harry Messersmith
DeLand, Fla.
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Harry Messersmith maintains a full-service bronze foundry and sculpture atelier in DeLand and continues to refine his sculpture, which he describes as triangulated figures. He gives the following characterization of his artistic vision. “I have been developing a series of triangulated, figurative, architectural works since 1982. My work addresses the evolution of technology and its positive and negative effects upon the human condition. I strive to express within the human figure sculpture a dynamic sense of balance that I believe must exist between science and spiritual enlightenment in order for civilization to progress with dignity.”
Messersmith received a grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation to attend a master artist residency with Gio Pomodoro at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in 1999. He traveled to Milan, Italy, in 2000 to promote “The Bronze Exhibit,” a group exhibition that included three of his figurative bronze sculptures.
He served as executive director of the DeLand Museum of Art (now the Museum of Florida Art) from 1989 to 1995 and director of The Lighthouse Gallery and School of Art in Tequesta, Fla., from 1995 to 1996. Previously, he was an artist-in-education for the Volusia County Public Schools for three years. He has also taught fine art and sculpture at Daytona State College, Stetson University, Crealde School of Art, Harris House, Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the University of Central Florida. Messersmith earned his master’s degree in fine art and sculpture from the University of Florida under J. G. Naylor in 1983, and his bachelor’s degree from Stetson University under his father, Fred L. Messersmith, and Dan Gunderson in 1981.
“I sculpt images that fuse geometric form with human form. The work communicates a struggle for the balance of power between the evolution of human spirituality and the advance of technology. The human figure represents spirit, soul, love of life, and the will to survive.” - Harry Messersmith
