On the cover of a brochure that features the chronology of work by artist, Ralph N. Hurst, he is referred to as an “American Sculptor Luminary”. If you look the term “Luminary” up on-line, here is the definition you will find: A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere. Synonyms used for luminary include guiding light, inspiration, hero, master and expert, among others.
When I visited with Ralph’s widow, Jean Hurst, yesterday and actually saw and touched the work of this great man the word luminary made perfect sense to me. Ralph Hurst began his lifetime journey on September 4, 1918. In a way you might say kismet touched him, leading him at every turn to meet his destiny. A high school football injury turned Ralph’s focus away from sports and onto art. He attended a commercial art school in his home state of Indiana and continued on to Indiana University where Robert Laurant, the great French born American sculptor became his mentor. After earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in art at IU, Ralph found his path leading him to Florida where, in 1953, he began his teaching career at Florida State University. He spent 27 years as a member of the faculty and received the honor of “Professor Emeritus”.
Ralph loved to play, he was blessed to have a wonderful sense of humor as well as a streak of adventure. His sculpture glows with the energy he infused into his work making the observer have to reach out and touch each piece, running a hand over the smooth, cool lines of his work, The Mermaid, or a pair of swans, sensually entertwined. You’ll find his sculptures in alabaster, marble, bronze, wood and synthetics, all masterfully used to create his lifelike sculptures.
Jean has turned her home on St. Simons Island into a sort of gallery to showcase her late husband’s work. Each piece is presented with perfect lighting and placement. Ralph’s bas relief pieces grace the walls of this lovely home, works of paper and other substances that he hand molded to create these fabulous works of art.
Shortly before his death in 2003, the Hurst’s donated a major part of Ralph’s work to the Tallahassee Community College in Florida. This donation led to the Ralph Hurst Gallery which now stands next to the performing arts theatre, co-designed by Jean, who spent years at the college as founding theatre director and English professor. The gallery enables others to view these extraordinary works of art and, hopefully, provide inspiration to those inclined to express themselves creatively.
Jean’s Swan
The website Jean Hurst recently launched has Ralph’s work lovingly featured here: http://www.jhurstartgallery.com/home.html. You can also schedule an appointment to view these works of art by contacting Jean at 912-268-4028. The work of Ralph Hurst has to be seen and touched to be truly appreciated. And in that touch, you’ll capture the essence of the man who created them with such love and attention to detail. Ralph truly lives on through his work and the great love he shared with Jean can be sensed in the peaceful environment that houses his masterpieces.
3 Responses
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Sydney Fanning Says:
Melissa did a terrific job in capturing the essence of Ralph’s work. There’s no doubt he was a master of his talent and to truly appreciate his work, one must touch his pieces. Ralph was a wonderful man was my godfather so I am particularly fortunate to have pieces of his work exhibited throughout our home. In fact, we own the bas relief piece of the tiger, which is pictured at the beginning of this post. We have many sculptures and each one draws attention from folks visiting our home. We consider ourselves very fortunate.
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Marie Says:
What a wonderful tribute. I have several of Ralph’s sculptures, I love to caress them. He was such a kind and generous man. It shows in his work.
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Melissa Says:
Thank you Marie and Sydney. I never had the honor of meeting Ralph Hurst, but I certainly sensed the person he was through his work.
