Silver Fox Art
With a background and training in art from his youth, Mel Rumsey (known to his family and some friends as "Clay".) is an award winning artist in a well rounded variety of media including; watercolor, ink, graphic art and design, drawing, wood carving, mixed media, as well as pyrography. Although he has not competed or been awarded in other categories, he does enjoy working in a variety of mediums like oil, acrylic, and many others. Mel has also won awards for his wood working and hand crafted frames.
Mel discovered pyrography in 2004, and “Silver Fox Art” was established to sell his pyrographed pieces to the public in 2005. As his ability and skill in the medium increased over the years, and his exposure, so did the demand for his pieces. Mel has been commissioned by clients all over the United States and some out of the country. He has won many awards in woodworking competitions, local, county, and state fairs, as well as appearing in juried fine art shows.
Mel suffers from a condition known as "Dysautonomia" (Also known as Primary Dysautonomia, or "True" Autonomic Neuropathy.) it is a degenerative condition and there is no cure. He retired early as permanently disabled in 2005 at the age of 30, after working for 10 years as an Industrial/Commercial journeyman electrician. By no coincidence that is when he began doing pyrography professionally.
Mel lives in Roy Utah with His family. He married his wife Robyn in 1995. They have three small children, two boys and a girl. To learn more, you can read Mel's biography. click here.
Read the article "How I Was Healed Through Illness"
Artist Mission Statement Mel "Clay" Rumsey
My goals as an artist are to:
1. Help foster a love and appreciation for art, nature, and the environment.
2. Spread recognition and respect for the medium of pyrography.
3. Inspire people to overcome challenges in a pursuit of achievement.
4. Help other pyrographers progress in there abilities.
Since I was a child I began battling a learning disability to make achievements in education. My mother lost her battle with cancer, but did all she could to touch as many lives for good as was in her power. Now I battle through many difficult daily neurological symptoms to achieve and excel in all that I can. Within us all is the potential to become and achieve all that we are determined enough to accomplish.
Everyone has obstacles that must be overcome in our pursuits, what determines our success is not defined by natural ability, but rather how hard we are willing to push to achieve it.
Read the article "How I Was Healed Through Illness"
Awards
Mel has won a variety of awards over the past several years which include:
Ribbons in the local city fair, the Weber County Fair in Utah, the Great Salt Lake Woodcarvers Show and Compatition and the Utah State Fair. Pieces have also been featured in fine art exhibitions.