Wayne Edwards
Written by Betsy Broome
Art Work by Wayne Edwards
ell known local artist, Wayne Edwards, was chosen as the feature artist at Four Corner’s Art Gallery during the Bluffton Art Walk last month.
Most know Edwards for his bronze sculpture, The King Neptune Sundial, in Shelter Cove Harbour. The sculpture took a year to complete and continues to be a memorable tourist attraction to visitors from all over the country. Edwards came to Hilton Head Island in 1971. He has since designed and built tree houses and recreation areas in Sea Pines, Palmetto Bluff, Bray’s Island and Ford Plantation. He has now created over 70 other playgrounds in the Southeast. You can also walk into many churches in the Lowcountry and see his stained glass works of art, wooden crosses, religious sculptures, crucifixes, alter furniture and oil paintings.
“I am honored to create art that so many people enjoy and it is a huge honor to be chosen as the featured artist at Four Corners Gallery during this year’s Bluffton Art Walk”. I am also grateful to Charlene, her staff, my family and friends for all 
their support and encouragement”, said Edwards.
Edwards studied art at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC and Ringling School of Art in Florida. After his studies he went to work at Pentes Design in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was born. Edwards moved his family to Hilton Head Island and later reproduced and built, with the help of his father and brother, a replica of the 1803 Squire Pope Plantation home, in the original location in Port Royal Plantation. More recently, Edwards has created some magnificent works for 
Palmetto Bluff and Balsam Mountain Preserve, North Carolina. Palmetto Bluff has two tree houses and with the help of his son, Heath Edwards, designed the Moreland Landing Oyster Roast Park.
Edward’s talents are unmatched. He has worked with bronze, marble, wood, and metal sculptures. His talents include pen and ink, acrylic, pastel and oil paintings and now he has returned to his first love, oil paintings. Each one of Edward’s works tells a unique story. His realistic oils are so life like one might lean in to look for the actual brush strokes.
In many of Edward’s recent still life paintings you will find his scrimshaw works, ship models, musical instruments and even some whimsical art work. All of this takes one back to the past and makes his workmanship even more unique. “What makes his paintings really special are the images he captures and the way he incorporates the light and Lowcountry treasures in each work”, said Charlene Gardner, owner of the Four Corners Gallery.
This tall and unpretentious man has quietly made his mark in the art world, even as far away as Belize, Central America. Many of his commercial projects are large and enjoyed by the general public. Now some will be lucky enough to enjoy his remarkable talent and fine art in their private collections.
Edwards has many of his current works at the Four Corners Gallery in Bluffton and will be featured through March 19th. For more information about the Art Walk, contact Four Corners ~ The Fine Art of Picture Framing, 1263-B May River Rd. Bluffton, SC (843) 757-8185
|
|