Artist Bio

D’Arcy Bellamy (1968) is an American artist who creates abstract sculpture exclusively from steel pipe.

Primarily self taught, Bellamy’s labor intensive, free form, low-tech fabrication process results in original, engaging, often kinetic sculptures. Most metal sculptors work in an additive process or by mold making and casting. D’Arcy works more like a stone carver. Starting with a length of pipe, he adds only space. He describes this free form process of cutting and bending as “subtractive fabrication”. Each sculpture is completely unique, there is no casting or duplication of any kind. Most of his current work is between 6’ and 8’ tall.

The majority of Bellamy’s work is created by combining elemental shapes like lines, circles, squares and spirals, or compositions of plants, animals and the human form. His objects cast intriguing shadows and many undulate with the touch of a hand or a gentle breeze. These traits draw the view into and around the work.

Smooth curves, rough edges, and movement provide visual interest. D’Arcy adds visual texture either by polishing the forms to a high sheen or by preserving the rust or other surface character from the found pipe. At, times Bellamy leaves traces of white paint from the roughing out process. The work has an authentic, unrefined roughness. Bellamy doesn’t try and hide imperfections in his objects. The rawness of his work invokes the aesthetic of Wabi- Sabi, that of being imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.

Bellamy has been working exclusively in steel pipe for almost two decades. He has created over 250 sculptures. His work is in numerous private collections throughout the United States. D’Arcy finds inspiration in daydreaming, nature, fabrics, architecture, advertising and fashion. Although D’Arcy appreciates the work of many modern and classic sculptors, the work of David Smith has exerted the most influence on his work and process.