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photo for Tropical Breeze
courtesy of Loyd Jones
Loyd Jones, left, oversees the installation of an
enormous copper sculpture, “Mangrove Sanctuary,” in the lobby of St. Joseph’s
Women’s Hospital, Tampa. More than 10' tall and 12' wide, the sculpture
includes 2,200 individually hand-soldered leaves in its canopy.
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Loyd Jones Retiring; Son Continues Metal Sculpture Craft
On Friday, June 9, Loyd and Lee Jones installed a newly created
copper sculpture, “Mangrove Sanctuary,” in the lobby of the St. Joseph’s Women’s
Hospital in Tampa.
Although it is among the largest metal sculptures the father-son
duo has created in their Oldsmar studios, its real significance came with the
announcement that it marks the beginning of Loyd’s retirement.
or the past 30 years, Loyd has exhibited in most of Florida’s
major art shows with sculptures of stone, wood, bronze and copper. His work is
in many collections, here and abroad. His works incorporate his love and
concern for nature. Fish, shorebirds and mangroves are reproduced in copper and
draw attention to our dwindling natural resources while celebrating their
beauty. Jones said he draws inspiration from the scenery around his Oldsmar
studio, which is located on the top of Tampa Bay.
For the past ten years, son Lee has worked with Loyd on the
popular mangrove sculptures.
This mangrove habitat is 10.5 feet tall and 12 feet wide with
approximately 2,200 individually hard soldered leaves in its canopy. There are
two shorebirds perched on the red mangrove limbs and snook and mangrove
snappers in the root system.
The red mangrove tree, with its outstretched roots that give it
the nickname “walking tree,” acts as a motif for many of their creations.
“These trees protect our coastline and serve as hatcheries for
local wildlife,” Jones notes on his website.
Several galleries carry their work, including Florida Craftsmen
Gallery in St. Petersburg. Now Lee, and his wife Sharon, are taking over Jones
& Co. and will continue to participate in shows and exhibitions. Lee is a
University of Florida Fine Arts graduate and shares his father's feelings for
the environment, both on local and global levels.
Loyd said he wants to express his thanks for all the support
his loyal patrons and friends have shown over the years. Now he has time to
involve himself in new pursuits (clay and ship model building) and working on
special projects. The Oldsmar gallery will continue to showcase his work, Lee’s
work, paperworks by Loyd’s wife, Diane, and miniature Cuban artworks.
For an appointment, please call 813-855-5558. Further
information and examples of his work can be found at www.mangrove-art.com.
Editor’s Note:
Sculptor Loyd V. Jones, 67, died Tuesday, July 11, 2006 after a long
battle with prostate cancer. He had just announced his retirement and
friends said he was active until he was hospitalized days before his
death at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. A native of Glencoe,
AL, he moved to Florida in 1958 and to Oldsmar in 1987 where he opened
a home-based studio on the shore of Tampa Bay. The Oldsmar gallery
features his works as well as paperworks by Diane, his wife of 43
years, and metal sculpture by his son, Lee, New Port Richey, who is
continuing Jones & Co. Additional survivors include his mother and
stepfather, Ann and Nick Hionedes, Dunedin; and two granddaughters,
Jennifer and Ellysa Jones, both of New Port Richey.
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