Persephone's Imperfection (2023) Sculpture by Nathan Goodman

In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and rich cultural history, resides an artist of multiple disciplines. Goodman works in both the written word and the tangible medium. He is a welder of steel, a worker of clay, and the author of thirteen acclaimed novels. His name is known to many, and his work speaks for itself, transcending the boundaries of traditional art forms and challenging the conventions of creativity. 

His studio, nestled in a bustling neighborhood, is a testament to his diverse skills and interests. Here, amidst the hum of machinery and the scent of molten metal, he welds steel with the imagination of a dreamer. His creations, often large-scale sculptures, are intricate labyrinths of metal that twist and turn, casting mesmerizing shadows and reflecting the world in their polished surfaces. Each piece is a story in itself, a narrative expressed not in words, but in the language of lines, shapes, textures, and steel.

Adjacent to his welding station, he works with clay, molding it into forms that conjure emotions buried within us all. His clay works, much like his steel sculptures, bear the unmistakable mark of a unique style. They are robust yet elegant, their surfaces adorned with smoothness that hint at the beauty of the human form and the artist’s deep respect for the natural world.

Beyond his visual art, he is also a prolific writer, having authored thirteen acclaimed novels. His books, much like his metal sculptures and clay works, are richly detailed and deeply symbolic. They explore themes of transformation and renewal, mirroring his own artistic process of turning raw materials into something new and beautiful. These themes however are the harbinger of the artist's inner pain and hidden demons. A survivor of depression, Goodman pulls his knowledge of true darkness and then splashes it into metal, clay, or canvas.

His home city of Atlanta plays a significant role in his work. The city’s dynamic energy, its blend of old and new, echoes in his art and writing. He draws inspiration from the city’s architecture, its people, and its ever-changing landscape. Yet, his work is not just a reflection of the city, but also a commentary on it, a dialogue with it.

Perhaps what sets this artist apart is his ion for the environment. This ion permeates all aspects of his work, from the materials he chooses to the themes he explores in his novels. He often works with recycled or reclaimed materials, turning what was once discarded into something beautiful and valuable. This transformation is not just physical, but also symbolic, representing the potential for change and renewal.

His work challenges us to see the world differently, to see the potential in the old and discarded, and to appreciate the beauty in transformation and change. His art is not just a product of his skills and imagination, but also a reflection of his values and his vision for a more sustainable and fulfilling world.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : 1967
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary American Artists