Bradley Arthur is the perfect artist to respond to our artists’ call to Illuminations: Truth and Iconology show because he has been inspired by words, and he has something to say.  His work speaks to that which lies beneath the surface of our conscience using a few words, simple materials and light. His earliest work reflects the beginning of his longstanding use of already existing materials as his primary medium. This preference is fueled by his respect of the inherent processes of nature Transforming and re-contextualizing, whether its information, language or material objects.

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He has worked with master artists in apprenticeships with metal, bronze and marble sculptors in France, Italy and New York City.  After he attended the Lacoste School of the Arts (1978) in Provence, France, Arthur apprenticed for the Japanese Master stone carver Yasuo Mizui in Paris and Nancy, France. In January 1978, Arthur had his first NYC exhibition.  In the late 70’s and early 80’s he worked in the stone and bronze studios of Pietrasanta, Italy. He maintained a studio in a historical landmark building in Tribeca in lower Manhattan from 1978-1997. His award winning artwork has been exhibited in over adozen solo shows and more than 150 group exhibitions, including at the Grand Palais in Paris and  numerous exhibitions in New York City at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, Phillips de Pury & Company in Chelsea and Ronald Feldman Fine Arts in Soho.  His 2001 Public Art commission from Hillsborough County “Components of Public Safety” was made from recycled the guns and weapons collected from a multi-county gun buyback program to produce two original multi- ton sculptures. The larger work titled “COPS I” is sited in front of the Sheriff’s Operations Center in Ybor City. The other sculpture he dedicated to those who’ve lost loved ones during public service “COPS  II” and  is located on Gunn Highway in Citrus Park. He designed and created the Kol Ami Star Memorial and meditation garden sited in front of Congregation Kol Ami  in Tampa.  Arthur’s sculptures are in private and public collections here and abroad. His early large works are listed in the Smithsonian Institution’s inventory of American Painting and Sculpture.  A number of his smaller sculptures including his texted-based works were purchased by the renowned collector Richard Brown Baker, and are now part of the collection of Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut.