August 10, 2010
For Immediate Release

Bone Pickers
Concept for a remote monument by Charles Jones
September 1 – October 3, 2010
First Friday receptions: Sept. 10 and Oct. 1, 2010 from 5 – 8 pm
Gallery Hours: Wed. – Sun. 12 – 6 pm
South End Open Studios Hours: Sept. 25 – 26, 11 am – 6pm

Boston, MA: Boston Sculptors Gallery is pleased to present Bone Pickers / Concept for a Remote Monument by Charles Jones. Bone Pickers is a conceptual proposal that addresses the aftermath of the near extermination of the estimated 60 million American Bison between 1870 and 1883. Millions of tons of bison bones were collected and sent by rail to processing centers, among them the Michigan Carbon Works, where they were, ironically, burned to produce “carbon black” or bone pigment and fertilizer.

The central component of this piece is a large-scale model for a “rolling” monument, to be hauled by rail anonymously across the Great Plains. The car and sculpture would periodically be rolled onto side spurs placed at relevant locations, uncoupled and left for discovery. The sculpture on the deck of the flatcar remembers these millions of animals.

According to Jones, “A number of years ago my interest in making objects and a love of history began to converge. The vagueness, the malleable nature, the silhouette-like quality of history make it a rich but challenging source from which to mine objects…that is why it is so intriguing to me. My subject’s range across time…the objects themselves are intended to make the viewer pause, perhaps recall…but most of all examine. The choice of an object is long considered. Once chosen, I make, manipulate and imbue it with what I consider the essence of the subject…I attempt to alter it in such a way that a story might emerge.”

Charles Jones is a metal sculptor/ furniture designer living and working in the Boston area. Having served a four year, intensive apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers and the Tennessee Valley Authority Welding School, Mr. Jones worked as a nuclear certified welder, specializing in high pressure steam and lethal gas applications. His training included the fabrication, rigging and installation of multi-ton (up to 300 ton singular) components for conventional and nuclear power stations, steel erection and shipyard techniques. He has recently begun to employ carbon fiber, cast urethane and other dissimilar materials in his metal components and continues to explore new materials and techniques. Jones has been a member of the Boston Sculptors Gallery since 2006.

Jones’ work will be shown concurrently with Casting Off by Marilu Swett.

For more information:

Jean Mineo, Coordinator
BostonSculptors@yahoo.com
617-482-7781

Charles Jones
cjones9001@verizon.net
617-513-3316