Jaiymie Kiggins was born and raised in Columbus Ohio. He graduated from Antioch College in 1994.
In addition to being a sculpture and union stagehand he has applied his metal working skills to race cars and boats. He is a Comfest regular where many many people have seen his work, which also adorns libraries, schools and hospitals throughout Central Ohio. He currently resides on a farm outside Lancaster Ohio and his work can be seen at http://www.kiggins-sculpture.com/
FP: Describe for our readers the most compelling art piece you have made
Gary's Essence. I was asked to make a piece that was to represent a person's soul. I used sheet bronze and copper for the flames and stainless steel round bar for the supports. There are five sections, each is meant to represent a family member supporting the flames. Once completed, the piece was donated to the Henry Ford Hospital, in West Bloomfield Mi.
FP: Tell us about your best, most successful, or most fulfilling art show
Well, I'd have to say that the presentation and unveiling of Gary's Essence was very fulfilling. There were over thirty family members that came. Emotions were high, the son, Terry, made a beautiful speech in regards to who his father was and how he was comfortable in his final days, spent at the hospital. This piece was very specific to a family, I am pleased to say that I feel almost every person really liked it
I am also very proud to have been selected for the 4th Annual Westerville Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, through the Midwest Sculpture Initiative (M.S.I.) There I have these two works on display at the Highlands Pool. The mission of M.S.I. exhibitions is to "Provide outdoor sculpture exhibitions throughout the Midwest, promote cooperation among art and civic organizations, advance the role that the visual arts play in the quality of life and increase economic development."
FP: If you could work with any other artists, alive or not, who would it be and why?
Alexander Calder. David Smith. These guys were innovators as well as an influence early on in my career. Consider the challenges that came with the works produced from these artists. Difficult stuff, big rewards. I am pleased to state that I am currently working with ceramicist, Justin Teilhet on several ongoing sculptural projects with the students at Stivers School for the Arts.
FP: How do you integrate art and politics or social justice issues?
Some examples would be my pieces entitled “Whistle-blower” and “Earth Friendly Pipeline.” The “pipeline” piece is currently installed at Shadowbox Theater. I hope to spark thought in regards to our dependency to fossil fuels as well as the ills that come with the acquisition of such materials. We've been to the Moon and Mars...Still can barely get 30 miles to a gallon? Still even need gas? Really?
