GCC features work of Barre sculptor Richard Bannister in opening exhibit of 2023-24

File photo by Tom Rivers: Richard Bannister is shown on his property in Barre on Aug. 16, 2022. He also has sculptures of a 20-foot-high cactus and 4-foot high apple on his wooded property along Maple Avenue. He would like to add outdoor sculptures to the site each year and create an art park. Bannister’s sculptures are featured at GCC in an art show called, “Man's Struggle with the Gods: Sculptures by Richard Bannister.”

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – The Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery is kicking off their 2023-2024 exhibition season with a solo show by local sculpture artist, Richard Bannister. Richard’s sculptures are one of a kind, unique works of art. He is a master of sculpting in wood, metal and stone. He completes all the work on his art, by himself, in his studio.

There will be an opening reception on Sept. 14 from 12:20 to 2 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m., as well as an artist presentation that day at 12:30 p.m.

Richard’s exhibition at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery will focus on his marble carvings, wood sculpture and cast bronze. As an instructor in higher education, Richard developed courses discussing man’s experiences with gods, demons, spirits and other folkloric elements. Many of his pieces in his current show are a result of that line of thought.

He aims to spark discussion of the things we cannot see; some of his artwork takes inspiration from Biblical tales like his sculpture Eve and the Tempter who tempted who? (made of walnut), and Angel with the Gods (carved of black marble). Richard pulls insight from the religion of ancient Egypt and Buddhism, such as Baby Buddha (made of red oak and walnut), and Egyptian Fish God, Slave Girl, and Angry King (carved black marble), which is the sculpture we are using to promote the exhibition.

Photos courtesy of GCC – (Left) Egyptian Fish God, Slave Girl, and Angry King (carved black marble) by Richard Bannister, side view. (Right) Egyptian Fish God, Slave Girl, and Angry King, front view.

About his artistic process, Richard says: “I now consider that the ability to create my works of art is a gift from God. However, I didn’t always believe this. For years in my early studio in San Miguel, I believed that man could only destroy. I believed anyone could do what I did. All they had to do was take the time and carve a sculpture from a block of wood or marble or make an armature and apply clay for the beginnings of a bronze sculpture.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Richard Bannister stands by a metal sculpture he placed on his property last summer. Bannister’s “Ukrainian Tears” is in the shape of a teardrop and painted in the colors of Ukraine’s flag. “Ukrainian Tears” is 8 feet high and made of steel. It will be on display with 14 wood sculptures at Clothesline Art Festival in Rochester on Sept. 9-10.

“I do not sketch before starting a sculpture, I simply grab a tool and begin the work. During the process of seeing a piece of art come into existence, I receive fulfillment. Because of my various procedures, materials and tools I am usually working on ten or so pieces at once. I can flow from piece to piece and pick up hours, days or months later exactly where I left off. This is a rare blessing indeed.”

Richard Bannister has had a long and storied career that has made him the artist he is today. He has managed a farm with his identical twin brother at the age of 14, fought in the Vietnam War, studied at many different colleges and gained his BFA & MFA. He also taught and headed the sculpture department at San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, traveled the world and lived in foreign countries, and exhibited his artwork internationally.

Bannister has raised a family, written manuscripts, explored different entrepreneurial avenues and holds a Bachelor of Theology from RBI in Tampa, Florida. His dream is to set up an art park on his 16 acres of land. His proudest achievements are his three children.

Mr. Bannister has written eight manuscripts throughout his career, which form the series “My struggle with the Gods.” The written saga is titled from the marble carving series that he is presently working on, “Man’s struggle with the Gods.” At his artist talk, Richard Bannister will discuss the inspiration behind his sculptures, his creative process, and pull from his college courses to prompt discussion.

Roz Steiner gallery hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery is also open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Any changes to the gallery hours will be posted on the gallery social media pages.