Hailing from Boone, North Carolina, Richard Foley’s journey as an artist has been a lifelong exploration of form, material and meaning. “My artistic roots began in high school with pen and ink drawings, but it was the discovery of sculpture that truly ignited my passion. As a primarily self-taught sculptor, I draw inspiration from the works of masters like Constantin Brâncuși, H.R. Giger and Henry Moore, who have shaped my understanding of balance and form in three dimensions,” Foley says. “In my work, I seek to illuminate the ‘unused’ aspects of our world, whether they be discarded objects, overlooked ideas or marginalized individuals. Through the transformation of recycled and found materials such as typewriter parts, discarded wood and rusty horseshoes, I create sculptures that challenge conventional perceptions of waste.”
Raging Bull, metal, 21 x 23 x 23 in.
Foley says that he finds inspiration in the stories the objects hold, “particularly in the worn and weathered form of discarded horseshoes.” He adds that each piece he creates is a homage to the horses that once wore them, embodying their spirit and history.
“By transforming these recycled materials into sculptures, I breathe new life into them, allowing their past to resonate in a new context,” he says. “My work is not just about the physical representation of horses, but also about the connection between nature, craftsmanship and the journey of these shoes. Through my sculptures, I invite viewers to reflect on the stories of resilience and companionship that horses represent, and to appreciate the beauty found in the intersection of art and sustainability.”
Untamed Beauty, metal, 34 x 32 x 22 in.
Foley’s next show will take place at the Wilkes Art Gallery in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The show opens September 12, 2025. For more information, visit www.wilkesartgallery.org. —
Horse Head, metal, 24 x 25 x 13 in.
Want to See More?
(828) 773-2657www.richardfoleyartist.com
Instagram: @richardfoleyartist
Facebook: /artistrichardfoley
Represented by Crown Gallery
Blowing Rock, NC
www.crowngalleryusa.com
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