Artist Statement The purpose of my artwork is to invoke an awakening of the sensual. Stimulating
a perceptual, internal, and intellectual response for the viewer:
a visual that speaks to life’s experiences. Creating symbols of universal
connection underscores the relationship that one has to another and to
nature. Art conveys my nonverbal view of life. An ongoing portrayal of myself,
my behavior, adventure, exploration, risk taking, and non-acceptance of
convention and the status quo. Constantly in search of the new and different
- I am fascinated with the unconventional. Life has a hard, aggressive
side, as does much of my work, represented by rigid, angular lines. However, the soft side is also apparent, visible as curves and soft forms. Using the invaluable experience of the mentorship of Bill Prokopiof and
Doug Hyde, along with my own vision, I have created an evolving body
of work in alabaster, marble, limestone, and bronze. Combining different
elements, I bring forth a duality in the sculptures that I create. Mark Yale Harris realized his true passion in the Southwest.
Stone carving became his life’s work, as Santa Fe became
his home in the late 1990s. He dedicated himself to creating
in 1996, and with much to learn, the artist chose a mentor
whom he had long admired to assist with honing his burgeoning
artistic skills, sculptor Bill Prokopiof (Aleut, 1944-1999). In the spirit of the nation’s most recognized Native American
artist, Allan Houser (Chiricahua Apache, 1915-1994), Prokopiof
and sculptor Doug Hyde (Nez Perce) took Harris under
their wings and generously shared their immense knowledge,
talent, and vision. Inspired by the geographical region
and grounded in the wisdom of his teachers, he began
feverishly creating sculpture. Transitioning into the life of a full-time artist required Harris’s
passion to become his profession as well. Prior to developing
as an artist, Harris spent many years in the area of sustainable urban development (specifically real
estate and hotels), a conventional career in which he was quite successful, but not fully satisfied. The
transition into a wholly fulfilling trade, was both challenging and exciting. The artistic passion that had
existed just beneath the surface of Harris’s long established business persona was finally able to present
itself in tangible form. He accessed the invaluable experience of his mentors, along with his own vision,
to create an evolving body of work in alabaster, marble, limestone, and bronze, often combining different
elements to bring forth a duality through creation. Over the past fifteen years Harris has continued to challenge himself as a sculptor, finding it important
to continue learning and teaching. Several intensive workshops, including studies with Terry Allen, Jo
Harvey and James Surls, have expanded his understanding immensely. Harris’s charitable endeavors
have been numerous; he cites his work with Fine Art for Children and Teens (FACT) in Santa Fe, New
Mexico as especially gratifying. Harris’s sculpture has been included in 80+ solo, museum and international exhibitions out of the 250+
exhibitions outlined on his resume. One Hundred+ publications have featured his sculpture (books,
magazines, newspapers) in the past 10 years. In addition, ARTWORKinternational Inc. Press published
Mark Yale Harris: Figurative Abstractions in 2010 and Mark Yale Harris: Untamed in 2011 as part of their
Acclaimed Artist Series. As well, Mark Yale Harris, A Retrospective was published in 2006, updated and
reissued in 2013. All three books document the important works created thus far in the sculptor’s career. Exhibition highlights
The Royal Academy of London; Marin MOCA; National Museum of Wildlife Art; Orange
County Center for Contemorary Art; the Royal Scottish Academy; Monmouth Museum; La Grange Art
Museum; National Sculpture Society; Roswell Museum of Art, Millicent Rodgers Museum; The Wildlife Experience
Museum; Peach Arch Park International; Museum of the Southwest; Holter Museum; Masur Museum;
Las Cruces Museum of Art; Chesterwood Museum; Palm Springs Art Museum and Austin Museum of Art.
Permanent and Public Collections: Hilton Hotels; Booth Western Art Museum - Cartersville, Georgia; Rock Resorts:
La Posada Hotel - Santa Fe, New Mexico; Herman Memorial Hospital - Houston, Texas; State of New Mexico - Ruidoso,
New Mexico; Four Seasons Hotel - Chicago, Illinois; and City of Roanoke Historic District - Roanoke, Virginia