A Printer’s Tale In Printing The Collective Works of Artist André Harvey
Every now and again, a job presents itself to us that inspires everyone it touches. This is certainly the case in regard to the upcoming publication illustrating the collective works of sculptore and artist, André Harvey.
From our Sales Executive, Chris Carnley who worked with Andre’s wife, Bobbie Harvey and graphic designer, Leslie Kedash on the book’s creation, to the press team, to Ai marketing and leadership who were honored to meet with Bobbie, hearing first-hand of their shared adventures as well as their life-long dedication to art, this project has been an honor to be apart of.
Early Life and Influences
André Harvey (1941–2018) was a Delaware native sculptor whose works have touched the hearts of all who have come into contact with it. With a career spanning over four decades, Harvey left an incredible mark on the world of art, renowned for his highly detailed, realistic sculptures inspired by nature and the rural landscapes of his childhood. His pieces can be found internationally, both in private and public collections. For those local to the north Delaware and south-eastern Pennsylvania area, however, several of his infamous pieces can be admired adorning gardens and museums such as Longwood, Hagley, Brandywine, and Winterthur.
Harvey grew up near historically iconic Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, in Pocopson—a location that deeply influenced his art. His connection to the natural world began early, growing up surrounded by animals and landscapes that he would later immortalize in bronze.
Harvey’s academic journey took him to the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1963. Before fully devoting himself to sculpture, Harvey worked as both a journalist in New York City and an educator in Wilmington, DE. His life took a decisive turn in 1969 when he and his wife, Bobbie, traveled through Europe and Morocco in search of inspiration and a change in lifestyle.
“We had fun,” Bobbie reflected when she visited the Ai office to approve spreads of her new book. “It was a fun, creative life together.”
It was during their time in France that Harvey met abstract sculptor Michel Anasse. Working with Anasse, Harvey learned to weld and was inspired to bring this new skill into his art.
Career and Artistic Process
Returning to the United States in the 1970, Harvey began to develop his sculptural practice in earnest, working out of a studio in Kennett Square, PA. His artistic breakthrough came shortly afterwards with an opportunity to display five sculptures for a Tiffany & Co. window display designed by Gene Moore in New York city. This exhibition helped launch his career, opening doors to galleries, private collections, and public commissions.
One of Harvey’s most iconic pieces is his life-size sculpture of a box turtle, Samuel, a work inspired by a real turtle that lived with the artist for a time. Other notable works include Bertha, a monumental bronze cow; Helen, a full-sized sow displayed for more than 30-years at the Brandywine Museum of Art; and Sounding the Alarm, a life-size crow, each showcasing his ability to capture the essence of both animals and their environments.
“Our priority was his work,” Bobbie told us. “His work was the most important thing to us. We managed his works as a couple—we took risks.”
When asked what his favorite piece was, Bobbie humbly told us, “Every time he finished a new piece, he would say it was his favorite. He loved them all.”
A Lasting Legacy
André Harvey’s dedication to realism and the beauty of the natural world solidified his standing in the art community. He was a Fellow and Board Member of the National Sculpture Society, contributing to shaping the field of contemporary sculpture.
Harvey passed away in 2018, in Wilmington DE after a brief illness at the age of 76. Since then, his wife and business partner, Bobbie Harvey, has been committed to bringing his life’s work and artistic journey to life in a collective publication. She spent two years compiling assets, memories, and the strength to write her collected thoughts in honor of André. “Came out of my heart,” Bobbie said.
The love she has for his art, their life together, and the publication of this masterful collection is undeniable. It was truly an honor for us to be apart of bringing this publication to life. Thank you to Leslie Kedash for mentioning us to Bobbie as a possible print vendor for this publication, to Clyde Hill Publishing, and of course to Bobbie Harvey for her passion and her trust in us for bringing her vision to life.
This book will be available everywhere books are sold on September 28, 20224.
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