Saturday, April 23, 2011

Atomic Artist: Tony Price


Tony Price (1937–2000) was a self-styled "Atomic Artist" and outspoken antinuclear activist. After visiting Los Alamos National Laboratory and discovering their salvage yard, he began to create utilitarian objects such as chairs and tables and musical instruments, especially wind chimes and gongs, out of their discarded scraps. He later moved on to creating sculptures, one of which is this crucifix that I photographed in 2008 when it was displayed outside one of the Roman Catholic churches near Santa Fe, N.M.


In 1965 a friend showed him some pieces of test tube bottles found in the Los Alamos salvage heaps, where a scrap auction was held weekly. Price went to see for himself and found what he  called "a perfect mountain of art," piles of brass, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic and bits of electronics thrown away by scientists and technicians. Inspired by the aesthetic quality of this atomic junk pile, he bought some pieces and began to fuse them - his own way to beat swords into plowshares.


To learn more about this fascinating artist, see more of his work, and read his bio, be sure to click here. it will be worth your time.

9 comments:

  1. Some amazing and topical art here.

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  2. A very provocative piece. I have read about this artist, but have not seen his art in person.

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  3. What a fantastic piece of metallic art! Especially appropriate for Easter!
    Happy Easter!

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  4. And not in the least blasphemic.....

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  5. How fascinating! The pieces in the sculpture above are unrecognizable to me. It must come from equipment I can't even imagine.

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  6. This is truly amazing!

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  7. Nice artwork! I hope your enjoying your weekend.

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  8. Gosh, that is what I will call UNIQUE!

    - Happy Easter Holiday!

    Gunn / Norway

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