Bedford, Indiana limestone sculptor, William Galloway has been commissioned to create the 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards. “Stone carving is the dark horse of traditional Indiana art,” Galloway said. “I was thrilled to be presented with the opportunity to offer a design proposal to the Governor’s Arts Awards selection committee for this year’s award. I am honored to have my proposal selected to represent this important award.”
Galloway was selected from a field of traditional artists from around the state invited to submit proposals to create the awards. Inspired by Indiana’s limestone tradition of making artistically beautiful pieces that travel throughout the world, Galloway’s proposed award piece is structurally based on the spires that he carved for the National Cathedral. Using the same techniques and materials used in the Cathedral’s upper spires, Galloway will carve the heavy limestone into thin dancer-like figures, while maintaining the stone’s strong central axis, producing a visually impressive award.
“Euclidian Geometry dominates architectural aspects of spatial stone carving,” Galloway said. “In this instance, strength, impressive ‘stage presence,’ and low handling weight were primary considerations. Then, there was the communication of the message that the award represents. The human figure in dance, can be iconic, or possess a monumentality not inclusive to its physical size. Dance elements became the vehicle to convey the message of special recognition and inspiration for the Governor’s Award pieces.”
Growing up in the forests, fields and limestone quarries of southern Indiana, artist Galloway was captivated by the natural elements around him. As he matured, he discovered his fascination with art and his aptitude for mathematics, an unusual combination. His interest in art led to studies at nearby Indiana University, where he also focused on philosophy and religion. At that time, the lack of available instruction in stone sculpture techniques prompted him to explore the indigenous stone carving industry.
Galloway began working with Indiana limestone in the 1980s, apprenticing under the renowned carvers Henry Morris and Clarence Hayes at the Bybee Stone Company in Ellettsville, Indiana. Galloway achieved the position of Master Carver at Bybee and led projects including the carving of window tracery for the National Cathedral and statuary for the Iowa State Capitol.
Now working independently, Galloway maintains a reputation as one of the best sculptors in the Indiana stone belt. He founded Angelo Stone Company in 1994, and began receiving commissions from architects, individuals and stone carving companies. In addition to carving for buildings and monuments, Galloway creates stone art works based on original designs, such as his “Dinosaur” and “Wings” benches, which reside at City of Bloomington parks.
“This will mark 40 years since the inception of the Governor’s Arts Awards, and it seems fitting that one of Indiana’s oldest traditional art forms should represent this year’s awards,” said IAC Executive Director Lewis C. Ricci.
For more information about the Governor’s Arts Awards, contact Rex Van Zant at 317.232.1273 or by email to rvanzant@iac.in.gov. For views of Galloway’s work, see www.gallowaystonecarving.com.