Primarily a public art sculptor, Jim Collins sculpture style uses silhouette figures constructed of stainless steel, brass, and painted steel.  Collins was a Professor of Art at the University of Tennessee from 1966 until 1983 when he resigned that teaching position to devote full time to his career as a professional artist for SCULPTURE PROJECTS. During a forty-year career there have been numerous site-specific commissions in public and private spaces commissioned by governments, churches, associations, business, and individuals.
          In 2004 Collins completed a major PUBLIC ART sculpture commission for County Limerick in Ireland that consisted of 32 separate larger than life-sized colorful silhouettes of animals that are in four groups along National Highways NEWS - REVIEWS.
          Jim Collins mixed media COLLAGE with assemblage frames are somewhat challenging in that the art is not finalized until the viewer completes it. In general, there is no prearranged single story, idea, or philosophy inherent in the work. Because the work is made of many parts on different layers each viewer will see different parts one at a time, and in turn will assign a value to each part of the work as it relates to the whole. That is within the viewer<92>s frame of reference. Specifically, some will see simple pattern or recognize symbols, a logo, or familiar images. All of the apparent parts will determine what is important to each individual in making up the art. Ideally, this experience will be much like the theater, in that the stage is set and the viewer writes the play.
          He received an A.B. degree from Marshall University in West Virginia, a M.P.H. degree from the University of Michigan and a M.F.A degree in sculpture from Ohio University.

Links for additional information:

• International Sculpture Center
• Artist Portfolio
• VISUAL ARTISTS IRELAND
• SAATCHI GALLERY
• Other sites with information