Amie J. Jacobsen is a designer, sculptor and public artist living and working in the Kansas City area. A lifelong creator, she has produced work in painting, illustration, and graphic design before transitioning to 3D design and metal-working in 2015. She holds a BA in Studio Art from Western State Colorado, as well as an MFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where she also taught illustration from 2006-2015.
In 2015, Amie took the opportunity to learn metalworking as the in-house designer and resident artist at Machine Head, a metal fabrication shop in the Crossroads Art District in Kansas City, MO. After 2 years she was awarded her first large scale sculpture commission and moved into her own studio and workshop. Today, Amie's studio is located in Independence, MO, part of the Kansas City Metro area, where she employs 3 assistants. Together, they produce sculptures, artisan furniture and public art pieces throughout the US. Though I have been an artist all my life, my introduction to metalworking opened the door to the world of public art and completely reshaped my career. While I am always grateful for the opportunity to work with private collectors, designing pieces for public spaces truly excites me. It has been such an honor to contribute to the landscape of so many communities thus far. They have each touched me far more than my small contributions could have done for them, but I hope the pieces that I create will be enduring expressions of their communities for years to come. |
Artist Statement
I endeavor to create iconic works of art that exude a whimsical elegance and firmly establishing a sense of place. Art has the power not just to enhance a space, but also to tell stories, express viewpoints, communicate values, and elevate community pride. The main goal of my work is not just to create interesting objects, but also to discover ways to help both the individual collector and/or a community at large to to express those messages in ways that are meaningful to them. While I resist being confined to a single theme or subject matter, my work most often draws inspiration from the native flora and fauna, landscapes and ecosystems of the area, leveraging the beauty of nature to symbolize and celebrate the spirit of the community. In my public works, I strive to create pieces that are appealing to a wide audience and often incorporate an interactive element that engages visitors beyond mere observation.
My primary medium is steel and stainless steel, chosen for their exceptional durability and suitability for outdoor installations that require minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, I am also committed to incorporating a diverse range of materials, including glass, concrete, stone, acrylic, and LED lighting. I strive to continuously evolve, remaining open to exploring new materials and technologies that can enhance and elevate the artistic concept.
My creative process begins with the study of the history and culture of the community, area, or establishment for which the piece is intended. This then informs and enriches the concepts of each piece. Once a concept is formed, sketches are developed into 3D computer models. Design and engineering details are worked out and step by step plans are developed. Larger projects are built by my team of fabricators, but I still craft the smaller sculpture pieces myself. The materials are often laser cut with a CNC to specific shapes and sizes before I begin to manipulate them by hand. I think of the material more like clay than an industrial product, planning how I can shape it into soft curves and flowing lines. I grind textures into the surface and intentionally leave marks that show a human touch. The tools of my work include power equipment - saws, torches, welders, and grinders, as well as sketchbook, computer and tablet.
My ultimate aim is to create enduring, iconic artworks that relate deeply to the places they are meant for and invite engagement from individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
My primary medium is steel and stainless steel, chosen for their exceptional durability and suitability for outdoor installations that require minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, I am also committed to incorporating a diverse range of materials, including glass, concrete, stone, acrylic, and LED lighting. I strive to continuously evolve, remaining open to exploring new materials and technologies that can enhance and elevate the artistic concept.
My creative process begins with the study of the history and culture of the community, area, or establishment for which the piece is intended. This then informs and enriches the concepts of each piece. Once a concept is formed, sketches are developed into 3D computer models. Design and engineering details are worked out and step by step plans are developed. Larger projects are built by my team of fabricators, but I still craft the smaller sculpture pieces myself. The materials are often laser cut with a CNC to specific shapes and sizes before I begin to manipulate them by hand. I think of the material more like clay than an industrial product, planning how I can shape it into soft curves and flowing lines. I grind textures into the surface and intentionally leave marks that show a human touch. The tools of my work include power equipment - saws, torches, welders, and grinders, as well as sketchbook, computer and tablet.
My ultimate aim is to create enduring, iconic artworks that relate deeply to the places they are meant for and invite engagement from individuals of all ages and backgrounds.