Newport's Own Howard Newman
A man of great artistry and insight
Emie Newton
Issue date: 5/10/09 Section: News
A visit to Howard Newman's blue-shingled historic home is marked by a dismal, rainy Monday afternoon. A converted garage, steps from his kitchen, contains the studio where he creates the majority of his works. Drops of water sprinkle gently from the sky and the artist adjusts his navy beret over his gray mop of hair, to shield his eyes from the foul weather. Newman sighs and mentions that in his younger days he was creating over 50 sculptures in a year. Even though the thick grey fog settles outside his door, Newman's spirits are high and he exudes an aura of optimism.
Speaking with a pleasant smile across his face and glasses perched on his nose, his composure creates a sense of calm in the workroom. He scoots up onto a metal stool and rests his hands on his chest. Instinctively wise, even beyond his 65 years, Newman's astute, yet comforting presence resembles that of a grandfather figure. His wealth of knowledge and success in the realm of art is extensive. Honored as a Fulbright Scholar, he was offered the opportunity to live with his wife in a fifteenth century farmhouse in Italy, where he further pursued his art. Currently the couple dedicates their time to the awe-inspiring restoration of Portsmouth Abbey. A culmination of such experiences has set the groundwork for his solid insight on the realities of life.
As one of Newport's master artists, Newman's expertise ranges from sculptures to paintings to restoration of fine metal and objects, to antique mechanisms. A review by Hilton Kramer of The New York Times, writes that Newman "is something of a phenomenon. His art has the look of something that was born fully matured. All sense of struggle, hesitation and indecision is effectively concealed in its sleek bronze forms ... addresses the eye with an unashamed confidence and power-a sculpture secure in a timeless sensibility of its own."
An assortment of machinery for his silversmith projects lines the walls of his workroom and various knick-knacks are scattered on the counter. "I am absolutely fascinated by materials," Newman says as he sits back on his seat and dangles a tiny wire item in his fingers. Art requires an enormous amount of concentration. "Patience isn't even something we talk about here," Newman said. Despite the tedious work and great amount of labor, Newman most enjoys the problem solving aspect. In terms of working style, his designs are first drawn or modeled and then "things just come out of the fog." Working through the issues to find a solution thrills him. "A lot of people see art as a social thing," Newman said. "I do it for my own sensibilities."
Speaking with a pleasant smile across his face and glasses perched on his nose, his composure creates a sense of calm in the workroom. He scoots up onto a metal stool and rests his hands on his chest. Instinctively wise, even beyond his 65 years, Newman's astute, yet comforting presence resembles that of a grandfather figure. His wealth of knowledge and success in the realm of art is extensive. Honored as a Fulbright Scholar, he was offered the opportunity to live with his wife in a fifteenth century farmhouse in Italy, where he further pursued his art. Currently the couple dedicates their time to the awe-inspiring restoration of Portsmouth Abbey. A culmination of such experiences has set the groundwork for his solid insight on the realities of life.
As one of Newport's master artists, Newman's expertise ranges from sculptures to paintings to restoration of fine metal and objects, to antique mechanisms. A review by Hilton Kramer of The New York Times, writes that Newman "is something of a phenomenon. His art has the look of something that was born fully matured. All sense of struggle, hesitation and indecision is effectively concealed in its sleek bronze forms ... addresses the eye with an unashamed confidence and power-a sculpture secure in a timeless sensibility of its own."
An assortment of machinery for his silversmith projects lines the walls of his workroom and various knick-knacks are scattered on the counter. "I am absolutely fascinated by materials," Newman says as he sits back on his seat and dangles a tiny wire item in his fingers. Art requires an enormous amount of concentration. "Patience isn't even something we talk about here," Newman said. Despite the tedious work and great amount of labor, Newman most enjoys the problem solving aspect. In terms of working style, his designs are first drawn or modeled and then "things just come out of the fog." Working through the issues to find a solution thrills him. "A lot of people see art as a social thing," Newman said. "I do it for my own sensibilities."
Be the first to comment on this story