J. Aaron Alderman

As a sculptor, I use simple lines, in then form of round stock steel, to capture the emotional expression of the human form. Through a highly physical processI am driven to create sculptures that are ego-less, expressive in their form, emotive and connective. With simple tools I draw in space. I repeat stylized lines in an almost random and chaotic manner, allowing my understanding and connection with the material to fill in the form in concentric patterns. These patterns mimic the musculature of the body, and in-turn, creates the structure of the sculptures. As each line captures the contours and movement of the body, these same lines begin to tell a subtle story. Each line builds on the next, flowing with rhythm and pattern, the form is revealed, and the story builds along with the rawness of emotion. Hand-made copper elements accent most works, usually highlighting the expressiveness of the hands. Once this process has been completed, the sculpture oxidized and sealed, it is then completed in the presence of the viewer.


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As a native of Brevard, NC, J. Aaron Alderman studied at Brevard College. Upon graduation he continued his studies with local sculptor and college professor Tim Murray and coppersmith J.T. Copper. Alderman has been awarded multiple public and private commissions and has displayed work across the United States and internationally in galleries and select juried public exhibitions. 

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Select Shows

2024-2022 Springfield Sculpture Walk, Springfield, MO
2023 "Come Rain or Shine", ria x gallery, Montclaire, NJ
2023 "Introspection", a solo show, Spiers Gallery, Brevard, NC
2023 TCArts & Brevard College Juried Show, Brevard, NC
2023 Origins, The Bascom, Highlands, NC
2023 "Spring Sculpture Celebration", a solo show, The Haen Gallery, Brevard, NC
2023 Yonka Sculpture Trail, Oxford, MS
2022 National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, North Charelston, SC
2020 Sculpture on the Lawn, Orlando, FL
2020 Salmagundi XXIV, Rocky Mount, NC
2020 "Black Lives Matter", Dragonfly Gallery, Chicago, IL
2017 Sheridan Public Arts, Sheridan, WY
2016 Art Encounters, Douglas County, CO
2015 "Articulations", The Haen Gallery, Brevard, NC
2014 Atlanta Belt-Line, Atlanta, GA
2013 Sea Island Center Gallery, Beaufort, SC
2010 Sculpture Walk IV, Kingsport, TN
2009 "Through the Looking Glass", Green Rice Gallery, Charlotte, NC
2008 Chattanooga's Third Biennial Sculpture Exhibition, Chattanooga, TN
2009 "Small and Miniature", Aaron Gallery, Washigton D.C.
2007 River Sculpture Festival, Asheville, NC

Select Public Commissions

2019 “People of the Reflected Sky, Smith Collection, Sherrills Ford, NC
2016 Lowe Park, Marion, Iowa
2012 Brevard Sculpture Project, Brevard NC
2011 Peitroasa, Bihor, Romania
2008 Keystone Memorial, Brevard NC
2006 Turkey Creek Commercial Development, Knoxville TN


Select Publications

Asheville Made, May/June 2023
Southern Finds, December 2022
Bold Life, December 2014
Esquire, Romania, Spring 2012
Citiscape Metro Monthly, October 2009
Our State Down Home in North Carolina, June 2009
Carolina Home+Garden, Summer 2008
WNC Mountain Living in Western North Carolina, May 2008
Smokey Mountain Living, Spring 2008
American Style, June 2008

Select Honors and Awards

2023 First Place Award, TCArts & BC Spiers Gallery Juried Show
2022 Public Art Forum, Missouri State University
2020 Interview, “Dreamers & Doers”, ashevillefm.org, Asheville, NC
2013 Adjunct Professor, Sculpture, Brevard College
2011 Artist in Residence, Peitroasa, Bihor, Romania
2008 Challenges/Violates the Borders between Public and Private, Collaborative
         dance with Kathy Meyers, Fringe Festival, Asheville, NC
2004 “Art Speak”, Brevard NC
2002-2003 “Diversity” Dance Performance, Brevard School of Dance