The late Jack Morford’s (he died in 2015) sculptures are being kept alive through the efforts of his family, in particular son Andrew. Thanks to his and his siblings honouring of their father and his body of work, we are able to view one of his always evocative, occasionally provocative, bronzes for a second year running.

This year, patrons will enjoy one of his best-known works. In 2016, Book Peddlers won a Best of Show award at Sioux Falls Sculpturewalk and it is easy to see why. The work oozes his recognizably unique style.

A monk-like figure, old-worldly, sandaled and straining somewhat demonically, peddles the tricycle – candle pot attached to a handlebar. Rising from his back is a precarious stack of books, ready to topple at any moment.

Draped bent over the books, and bike, is his blindfolded fellow companion. Displayed in his outstretched left arm and hand is an open book. The bent right arm points a forefinger at the written words contained within.

It is a wonderful sculpture that features several of his recurring motifs – wheels, chairs, fish, books feature regularly – while capturing his “out-of-the-box” sense of humour and creativity superbly.

Book Peddlers was commissioned by the City of St. George, Utah and was one of a trio of his sculptures that grace the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah.

Following high school in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago initially. There, he realized he could make a living doing what he loved, creating art.

He returned to further his studies at the current Brigham Young campus in Rexburg, Idaho and completed his Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, all while continuing to sculpt and provide for his family. They in turn continue his legacy of works – whimsical, irrepressible pieces laced with imaginative fancy.

www.artmanjack.com