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Jim Taylor and his sculpture - Dempster
Chasing Windmills
by luann_s (Subscribe)
Posted on: Jun 26, 2008 at 9:34 AM CST
Channel: Local News
Location: Stuart Nebraska
Tilting at windmills isn’t Jim Taylor’s style.
Instead, the retired art educator from Stuart sees the intrinsic beauty of the wheel that spins life for farmers and ranchers across the State.
In 2007, when the Center for Rural Affairs launched its first-ever statewide arts and tourism project, Winds of Life: Windmills Across Nebraska, Taylor immediately took interest.
Taylor found a common bond between the statewide endeavor and one of his graduate school projects.
In 1971, as a grad student at then-Kearney State College, Taylor’s focus included a concentration in sculpture
Taylor, who grew up near Broken Bow, combed the family farm for inspiration. He uncovered the pieces for his project in a shelterbelt where two Dempster windmills sat in disarray.
“I thought if I would combine the two, it would make a nice sculpture project,” Taylor said.
During that first summer school session, Taylor worked with the galvanized steel and titled the final creation “Dempster”.
By this time, Taylor’s parents had moved to a new home in Broken Bow. For 20 years, the statue adorned the corner lot adjacent to their house.
After both his parents’ passing, the artwork needed a new canvas.
“Dempster” became the new focal point at the artist’s residence in Stuart, where Taylor said the sculpture sat neglectfully situated in his back yard.
Taylor learned about the windmill project and decided “Dempster” deserved a second wind.
“I saw the contest as a challenge to restore the sculpture and an opportunity to display it again,” said Taylor.
Taylor said when he designed the sculpture for the class assignment, his costs totaled between $25 and $50. This time, the cost to revamp “Dempster” took $600.
“The paint cost over 150 dollars a gallon,” said Taylor.
Additionally, a few replacement parts were necessary to rejuvenate the sculpture.
The Tri-County Bank of Stuart assisted Taylor’s efforts by sponsoring the artwork for the competition.
“Dempster” received Best of Show honors at a gala culminating the successful project. The sculpture currently is displayed at the Stuart Museum, but Taylor plans to make his backyard the piece’s permanent home.
