San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts

Charles Pebworth

Retrospective

Artist Statement

"In these pieces of art work each contain an expression of my feelings on life and its contrasts-such as my Indian heritage past and the hi-technology present, the personal and the impersonal.

The hard machined metals and various soft materials combine to show how contrasting elements can assimilate or co-exist to create their own energy, somewhat mirroring life.

In the fabrication of the art, basic geometric shapes are used and within these rigid shapes many intricate, intuitive assemblages are contained, some of more abstract quality, straining to be free of their restraints. I try to make order appear from chaos, and in the tension of the attempt I feel that the art gives off an aura of mysticism. In viewing this art I hope the observer can feel this aura also."
Charles A. Pebworth

 

Charles Pebworth first came to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1957, when he started working as an instructor in basic design. He soon began teaching painting and before long developed and taught a course in ceramics and eventually sculpture. He stayed there 36 years, retiring in 1993, and was a seminal force in the art education arena, developing one of the best sculpture departments in the state.
A member of the Choctaw Tribe, Pebworth, who was born in 1926, grew up in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where his father was employed at the Osage Indian Agency. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Houston and a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Louisiana State University and continued with independent study in Carrara, Italy.
Over the course of his career, Pebworth has created a remarkable range of artwork, having produced sculpture, reliefs, watercolors, drawing and paintings. His work has been featured in solo exhibitions and included in group shows in galleries and museums throughout the southwest. Numerous museums across the country have- his work in their permanent collections. He is currently represented by Harris Gallery in Houston, Texas.