Springville, Utah. Do you know Jeff Decker, a sculpture artist based in this city surrounded by the vast nature of the United States? Last September, the HOUYHNHNM's team visited his studio and workshop, which is also the site of his creation. We will explore the inner workings of his creations through his words as a "living national treasure" as well as a certain sacred atmosphere that we sensed at the site. In addition, the team introduces a special item with BEAMS, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.
Springville-based sculpture artist specializing in bronze. He is an accredited artist by HARLEY DAVIDSON and has exhibited his work at the Elvis Presley Museum. Currently, he is a member of theHIPPODROME STUDIOHe presides over an atelier called "The Atelier," which stores many historically valuable vintage items and is considered a mecca for connoisseurs.
Jeff's studio is a place of creation and a museum of sorts.
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JEFF. The United States of America is home to many diverse racial and ethnic groups. Jeff's studio is located in a quiet corner of Springville, Utah, which is considered a sacred place for Mormons. The place used to be a church, and you can feel the atmosphere of those days firmly preserved in every corner of the exterior and interior.
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JEFF. The entrance is also furnished with a variety of succulents, which Jeff himself loves and loves to grow.
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JEFF. The first floor has a living room, study, and several other rooms, all of which have a clean and elegant impression. The fixtures and furniture in each room are said to be valuable vintage pieces.
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JEFF. The studio is located in a separate garage where Jeff's father's collection of hot rods and vintage motorcycles are kept.
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JEFF. The basement is actually used as a studio space. There are several gallery rooms that can be used as workrooms or reference rooms, creating a museum-like atmosphere.
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JEFF. The items range from his own bronze sculptures to vintage bicycles, models, and art pieces by artists with whom he has worked. Surrounded by objects of historical and cultural value, Jeff creates daily.
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JEFF. : Many of Jeff's works will also be displayed in the motorcycle museum attached to the hip SIDECAR CAFE, which is run by a friend of Jeff's. At the entrance of the building sits a huge bronze objet d'art that performs astride a Harley Davidson.
We went to the workshop of the workmen who are also family members.
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JEFF. The workshop "Bear Bronze Fine Art Fancy" is located about 10 minutes by car from the atelier. Here, all of the actual production of the bronze sculptures is done by the factory's employees, called the "family". Jeff himself often travels back and forth between the atelier and the workshop to do the actual work. In the workshop at the back of the factory, "copper ingots," not gold ingots, are melted one after another in a flame of over 200°C and poured into a special container in the shape of an objet d'art, which is used to make the base.
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JEFF. The base of the sculpture is then cooled and thawed. The process is basically done by hand, without the use of machines, which is time-consuming and risky, but it is the reason why the work is so thoughtful. The workshop is much larger than expected, and there are several work spaces dedicated to each process, such as painting, welding, and shaving, where specialized staff members are always working.
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JEFF. The workers are always smiling and exchanging words with each other, treating each other like family. When we actually visited this workshop, samples of sculptures co-created with "BEAMS" were being produced. The details will be introduced later.
The important thing is to be thoroughly passionate about what you make.
What made you decide to start sculpture in the first place?
JEFF. I think my father's influence was the strongest. Even when I was young, my father had a deep knowledge of motorcycle culture, was an active builder, and was one of the country's leading collectors. I became interested in motorcycles and hot rods, and started customizing them myself. I then went to an art college, but I became disillusioned with the concept of art that I learned there, and I decided that I wanted to make things from a different perspective than art. Then I came across the lost wax process, and I found that it ignited my desire to create. After that, I began to spend every waking moment making statues and sculptures.
Did anyone teach you how to make sculptures?
JEFF. I was self-taught in the basics. There was nothing I couldn't do if I did my own research. I started out using my favorite race cars and vintage motorcycles as motifs for my creations, and then I began to learn a lot about the history and culture of that time period, including how people lived and what they wore. I wanted to recreate as much as I could, not based on my imagination, but as faithfully as possible. I think it is because I have continued to do this that I have gradually gained recognition from the people around me.
What, if anything, does JEF itself value in manufacturing?
JEFF. It's a matter of course, but don't compromise. And you must be thoroughly passionate about what you create. As long as you have that vitality, the skills will come later.
Where does Jeff usually work?
JEFF. I try to be in my studio during the daytime on weekdays. I often work on design sketches and designs here. I also have a lot of materials, so I often spend time in this space when I need inspiration. I also go to the factory if I have something to do or if I need to do some work. Even if I don't, the employees there are like family, so I try to visit them on a regular basis.
Why did you move here from your birthplace in Southern California?
JEFF. I've been living in the Bonneville area with my family for over a decade now. It is not what you would call a city, but I found it to be a very comfortable place to live, surrounded by vast nature and clean air. It's a country town, so you can easily make friends with your neighbors and they all treat you like family. It's a nice town.
What do you do on your days off?
JEFF. I have four children since I got married, and I also have a dog. I have a lot of family now, so I spend a lot of time with them. I don't work as stoically as I used to. I work out, but I'm getting older. I like to travel with my family and friends.
What is your impression of Japan?
JEFF. In terms of national character, I think they are very diligent. I also like to know the background of things in the past, so I often look at literature and documents. I have many friends in Japan, so I often listen to their stories, and I am always inspired by them.
Are there any places in Japan that you particularly like?
JEFF. I've been honored to be invited to motorcycle events and to visit various brands and stores, including BEAMS, and I've been able to visit Japan many times in the past. Lately, I've been enjoying not only Tokyo, but also other cities in the countryside. The scenery is beautiful and we can feel what we imagine Japan to be like. Kyoto in particular is always a family favorite.
Finally, do you have any message for us regarding this project with BEAMS?
JEFF. I am very happy to be working with BEAMS again, which has been a very supportive business partner. Moreover, this is the 40th anniversary of BEAMS, so I really wanted to make sure that the production was something that we could both agree on and that it would be great. I don't usually work on outsourcing themes like this, but this time was special.
Hippodrome Studio × BEAMS "THE GLOBE
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JEFF. The bronze sculpture product is a collaboration between BEAMS and Jeff Dekker, which started in 2012. This year, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of BEAMS, a special limited-quantity item was specially ordered. The globe was created using the "BEAMS" logo as inspiration. The retro propeller plane circling the globe is a reminder that "a man should never forget his adventurous spirit," as only the manly Jeff would say. In addition, the Hippodrome Studios emblem and serial number are engraved on the plane, creating a premium finish. This is a limited edition of 50 pieces, so if you are interested, please be sure to order as soon as possible! 170,000 + tax
