Some own antiques, we live in ours.
The house sits on 20 acres of red clay-dirt land, that is a mix of pasture and woods, with a small stream winding down through. Complementing the house are a swayback barn, two tobacco barns and additional outbuildings.
I grew up in rural NW Pennsylvania, very similar to where/how I live now, except less snow.
After high school, I spent a year in Altamonte Springs, FL, learning how to wait tables at Red Lobster.
I then went to college at Slippery Rock U. of PA for a BFA- emphasis in Metalsmithing/Sculpture, and Westminster College for a Certificate in Art Education.
After graduating college, I moved to central North Carolina. I got a CDL and drove 18 wheelers around the country. I purchased the house and property, now the studio.
After a few years on the road, I took some time off to try my hand at self employment- mostly wood work, here on the farm. I also tried construction- steel buildings and bulldozers. Cool stuff, but not to steady.
I returned to driving, with my own truck as an owner operator, mostly hauling Klaussner Furniture out of NC and bringing anything I could on the "back haul".
In 2001, my boy Max was born, thus my time on the road ended.
I started working for Montgomery Co. Schools as an Art Teacher- at Star Elementary and then Green Ridge Elementary for about 10 years. I then moved to the middle schools, East and West (Montgomery) for another 10 years. I am currently in Randolph Co. Schools at Seagrove and Southmont Elementary schools.
In the time between college and present, to fill the need to create, I have put most of my energies into my students and this old house. I have however also made about one sculpture each year.
My sister and I found out about a program at NC A&T College and started growing shiitake mushrooms. (see shrooms tab for more on them)
Early in 2011 I saw an add for "Art in the Gardens", an outdoor sculpture show at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, NC . On a whim I traveled down to see the gardens, and WOW! What a place. I was inspired by the gorgeous gardens and the art work already there, It dawned on me that I could use the logs that we grow the mushrooms on as a medium, and so I made two sculptures for the spring show. (see Shiitake Mushroom Log Sculptures tab for more)
I am very proud to say that my piece the next year (2012 Art in the Garden show), Grasshoppers, Ants and the Arts, won Peoples Choice. (see the Shiitake Mushroom Log Sculptures tab for more on it)
Currently I am working in several sculptural directions. See the tabs above for more info on them.
The best way to get a hold of me is gregbender@gmail.com, or text 336 465-9369 if you need me quicker.
