"Pipe Dream."

East Hampton: Continuing with our artist profiles of artists both living and working in the Hamptons, our next artist is James DeMartis, who lives in East Hampton (Springs).

Artist James DeMartis was born in Brooklyn and raised in Westchester County. He credits both his parents for his love of art. "My father was a fine art painter, and my mother's passion for fine art and design were a constant inspiration to me." Working in metal for over 20 years DeMartis reveals "My sculpture is about enhancing environments and stimulating perception."

He further explains "By utilizing metals in unconventional ways and stretching their limitations my aim is to surprise and engage the viewer. Through the process of welding and blacksmithing I manipulate metal into idealized forms then selectively deconstruct them, distilling their essence. In the purest sense, I strive to change conditioned perceptions in spare and minimal forms."

"Willow at Bridge Garden."

As a commercial blacksmith DeMartis convinced the town of East Hampton to allow him to install a forge in his studio. He has created metal work - from fabricating copper, zinc, and stainless steel counter tops to making stair rails, the occasional gate, and table bases and even repairing iron patio furniture - to creating his own personal artistic expressions in metal.

He studied at C.W. Post, and worked as a sculptor's assistant and as a blacksmith's apprentice before starting his own business in 2001. He has been exhibiting consistently in both solo and group exhibitions for a number of years. While both living and working in East Hampton, DeMartis states "I live right around the corner from Parsons Blacksmith Shop, which is a historic forge and I sometimes do demonstrations there as well."

When did you start making art and what medium/mediums do you consider to be your roots in art?

"Dent."

James DeMartis: My first sculpture with intent was a stone, wood and foam board construction about apartheid when I was 14 and I've been making art since. Later, in college, I discovered working with metal. The connection was immediate and it's been a full time pursuit of sculpture through welding, blacksmithing and metal machining. I always use metal as my primary means of expression (medium), though I do incorporate other materials (wood, glass, stone) as well.

What is it about the Hamptons that brought you here and enticed you to stay, work, and pursue your art here as opposed to some place else?

JD: I moved to the Hamptons (Bridgehampton initially) knowing nothing of its place in the art world and its reputation as a resort/vacation destination for the glitterati. I answered an ad in the Village Voice for a sculptor's assistant (Mihai Popa/Nova) and once here, fell in love with the sheer scenic beauty of the place. That was 19 years ago. I spent full summers as a child on the coast of Maine and now realize how integral the connection to water is for me. I still marvel at the landscape and sadly diminishing farmscapes. I live in Springs and the magical light is also a source of spiritual renewal. Nor can I fail to acknowledge the strong legacy of art in the Hamptons and the continued comraderie among artists.

"Copernicus."

How do you support yourself as an artist?

JD: I support myself as an artist with the occasional commission, but primarily my business as a metalsmith sustains me. In addition to indoor and outdoor sculpture I make furniture, hardware, railings, gates, lighting, antique metal repair/restoration and all manner of custom hand crafted objects for the home. I work with designers, architects, contractors, home owners and artists in engineering and fabricating one of a kind metal creations.

Why live and work in the Hamptons as opposed to elsewhere?

JD: This is HOME.

What local environmental or historical aspects of the Hamptons do you relate to that may be reflected in your medium?

JD: No one can prevent the external influences of their surroundings effect their work and life. I have drawn from the unique beauty of the Hamptons to reflect this in my work. Regardless of the theme of my sculpture, I create the presence of subtle beauty with an organic undercurrent. It is also obvious to me that the history of farming and fishing and the use of the hand made antique tools I've collected from these parts is instrumental in my work, or more simply, the local triumvirate - land, sea and art.

"Peel Me."

What artists do you feel have influenced you and your work?

JD: In terms of influence, no doubt, my father - he was a painter and his passion and dedication to creating art was instilled in me from birth. Of those whose work I've admired – Brancusi, Smith, Serra, Judd - to name a few.

What advice would you give an emerging artist?

JD: The same advice that's been given to me time and time again – keep working, don't stop – keep pushing – art will save you!

What gives you an edge (if any)?

JD: My Wilton Industrial 48-inch Beltsander!

What are you working on now, and are you involved in any upcoming shows or exhibitions?

JD: I'm currently working on sculpture and furniture for the Mulford Farm Show in July in East Hampton. I have work at the LongHouse Reserve and the Bridge Gardens, as well as The New York Botanical Garden and Butler's Fine Art in East Hampton.

For more information go to www.jamesdemartis.com, or email at info@jamesdemartis.com.