191219865

Roger W. Downs was born in Columbus, Ohio. He spent most of his childhood in Eastern Tennessee. In 1980, he moved to Chillicothe. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1986. He has attended Ohio University-Chillicothe and The Ohio State University. In 1987 Roger joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Baumholder, Germany. It was during this time in the service that he met several artists. Three artists, Jeremias Luis Ochoa, Troy J Maier and Jean Andzulis were instrumental in Roger’s art education. As his high school peers attended various colleges, Roger served his country and visited numerous museums and galleries in the magnificent cities of Europe, which included London, Paris, Cologne, Frankfurt, Zurich and Amsterdam. He later visited the great galleries and museums of New York. The influences of modern art can be seen in many of his pieces today. As a member of Greenpeace, Roger values the environment. His art is created using discarded and/or scrap metals. In his hands, unwanted materials become useful treasures and impressive art. Many items are discovered on area farms and some are found literally on the side of the road. With encouragement from family and friends, Roger began seriously producing sculptures in 1996. Other than vocational welding instruction from fellow craftsman, Bill Miller, Roger is self-taught. Using a variety of metal-working tools he manipulates the metal into striking pieces of furniture such as tables, chairs, plant stands and lamps as well as candle stands, bookends and hand railings. He seals some of the items with clear gloss enamel. He usually avoids adding color to his artwork; he feels the natural patina of the metal (be it polished and glossy or rough and rusted) is more appealing. While some may have a similar theme, each piece is a signed, one-of-a-kind original design. Roger has been invariably fascinated with all things mechanical from his earliest experiences on his grandfather’s farm, working in his father’s cabinet shop and in the U.S. Army Engineers. He is inspired by his love for classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. He is also a musician. Roger enjoys playing many different styles of music being a skilled drummer and percussionist. As a drummer, Roger has developed not only custom drum stands, but a line of chimes based on found objects. His love of nature is evident in many of his pieces, but as Roger notes “no sculpture can ever beat natures design”. An affinity for camping, especially in the Hocking Hills area has allowed Roger to expand his spirituality like “a walk in the woods”. Roger’s work has been shown in numerous shows and festivals across Ohio where he has won several awards. Roger currently resides in Greenfield with fellow artist Debbie Powell and numerous pets. Roger's art may be purchased through this site. Roger recently designed, created and donated to the Pump House Center for the Arts and the people of Chillicothe the large outdoor sculpture shown in pictures. It began as an idea formed New Year’s Eve 2000 for a permanent sculpture honoring the rich history of the Chillicothe area. Roger has dedicated the sculpture in honor of our ancestors and relatives who went before us. Personally, it is in honor of Rogers grandparents, Harold and Irene Southall and Clifford and Cora Downs. The sculpture was completed and installed on March 24, 2007. It stands approximately 15 feet tall with a weight of about 4000 lbs. It took over four years of “after hours” work and design to complete. The American Flag is to perfect scale and is made of stainless steel. The name given to the sculpture by Roger is “Mitakuye Oyasin” or “All My Relations”, a Native American word belonging to the Ocheti Sakowin. The Ocheti Sakowin are divided into three dialects, Dakota, Lakota and Nakota. The word is pronounced differently depending on the oyate (people). The pronunciation is “Mee-tah-koo-yah O-yah-seen, or Mitakyasi. “All My Relations.” This powerful phrase, is a recognition of the unity innate in the universe. Even more, it is a salutation, a prayer for all creation to commune in the harmony and balance that bridge the diversity of our lives. As you view the sculpture and look at the symbols within it may you also be reminded that our lives are a journey and we are all connected. May there be harmony and peace between all life on our planet and healing for our earth. Mitakuye Oyasin-All My Relations. ..