Gary Hovey

Gary Hovey began metalworking in a fine art foundry in 1981 where he became the head of the metal shop. Following this he gained years of experience as a skilled welder and metal fabricator. Since 2004 Gary has been shaping forks, knives, and spoons into realistic forms and calling them Hoveyware. Hovey + Flatware = Hoveyware. This chapter of his art career began ten years after the onset of Parkinson's disease. "Since I can't work a regular job anymore, making my art gives me purpose. I want my story to inspire others to look for what they can do despite what has happened to them.” Gary has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. At local, regional, and multi-state shows he has won many honors including best of show, first place, and people's choice awards. His sculptures can be seen at http://www.hoveyware.com/ and at Gallery 2:ten, Sidney,Ohio. Commissions are accepted. Gary lives in rural New Knoxville, Ohio with his wife, Tonnie.

New Knoxville, Ohio

Sculptures

Resilience - 2015

Here we see strength and agility embodied in a species bounced back from the brink of extinction to flourish again in the American wild. This life-size bald eagle has a wing-span of 6’ 4”. Each wing consists of over 150 knives, 100 spoons, and 50 forks.

The Neighborhood - 2016

“Trees provide shelter, food, entertainment, beauty, and so much more. They are amazing living organisms that are a whole neighborhood for wildlife while being vital parts of our neighborhoods.”

Ol' Tom - 2015

Girlilla and Tiney - 2014

Hound Dog - 2014

Hound Dog - 2013

Guardian - 2013

Bear Lee, Standing - 2017

The Stealthy Heron - 2013

Whoo's Hungry - 2017

Under Construction - 2018

These busy beavers are building a home. Hence, a community is under construction for many creatures. The water is the only part showing that is not a fork, knife or spoon. The metal was colored with heat to darken the beavers and make waves in the water. Constructing this kept me busy for months—glad I didn’t have to do it with my teeth!

Narrow Escape - 2019

Co-op with Jim Perrine.

Narrow Escape shows a drama played out in life countless times. There’s nothing like the thrill of the hunt, unless it’s the relief of getting away! This piece is my first to use color glazes on my sculpture but it’s still forks, knives, and spoons at heart. It is also the first public piece made in (official) partnership with Jim.

Fair Feathered Friends - 2020

In collaboration with Jim Perrine

Rewarding Day - 2024

This is a bronze depicting a care-worn prospector as he finally gets rewarded for all his hard work and patience. Gary made the original sculpture as well as molding, casting and coloring the bronze.