Growing up near a dump proved to be fateful for sculptor Leo Sewell. He has played with junk for 40 years now, and has developed his own assemblage technique. His sculptures combine recognizable objects like plastic, metal and wood that are chosen for their color, shape, texture, durability and patina. These found objects are artfully assembled using nails, bolts and screws. The outdoor sculptures are constructed of steel, brass, or aluminum found objects = which are welded together. Like the many different objects he finds to create his works, the sculptures themselves represent a vast array of shapes and sizes — from a life-size house cat to a 24-foot stegosaurus. Corporations, museums, and individuals around the world have collected Sewell’s works.

TCR: How did you first become interested in working with found objects?

LS: By age 10, I had found the Navy dump near my house in Annapolis, Md. As I collected objects, my father taught me to use a few simple tools and I began assembling before I knew art.

TCR: How have you pursued your career?

LS: Over the last 35 years, my work has evolved mostly in terms of quality both of technique and aesthetics. I have also expanded in terms of medium and scale, but always with found objects. By 1968, I had dedicated my life to being a junk sculptor. I gladly took other jobs to add to my income until 1985 when I became a full-time sculptor. All the time I pick trash and work on my pieces with passion.

TCR: Who is the market for your work?

LS: My market consists of some corporate and non-profit, but mostly individuals. At this point, about half of my work is by commission. I have reached my clients by the traditional methods of entering shows and placing work in galleries. I have also opened my studio to tours and have given talks at schools and other settings. The bulk of my business is through commercial galleries, mostly consigned pieces. Increasingly I am doing commissions, direct to client and through galleries.

TCR: Have there been major turning points in your career?

LS: The curious thing about my career is that there have not been major turning points but rather incremental. I have had good media exposure and have had individuals who have helped me along.

TCR: What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?

LS: To me the most difficult thing is to produce a piece [with] discarded materials that will last without visible decay.

TCR: What, in terms of business insight, have you learned over the years?

LS: Over the years I would say that I have gained a few insights:
-It is about the product. Make the best piece you can.
-Deliver. Always provide what and when you say you will.
-Be flexible on price but not by over 25 percent.
-Occasionally say “no”.

TCR: How has the Internet affected your business?

LS: The Internet has basically saved me the mailing of many photos. E-Bay has listings of my work. Also, search engines have shown clients that I am for real.

TCR: What is the next step for you?

LS: Over the last six years, I have expanded into welded assemblages consisting of aluminum, brass, steel and stainless steel. More recently we have soldered sterling silver objects into sculptures. We hope to soon be working in gold objects.

For more information, contact:
Leo Sewell
www.leo.sewell.net
3614 Pearl Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-8207