Untitled Side Table, 2017

James Bearden
Untitled Side Table
American, 2017

A sculptural side table by James Bearden composed of torch-cut and patinated steel with fused bronze and glass enamel. The circular top raised on a dynamic tripod base, the deeply recessed surface densely worked with clustered vertical elements of varying heights, creating an almost geological or coral-like interior landscape. Rich tones of blue, violet, and black emerge subtly through the darkened surface, producing a remarkable sense of depth and movement. A fitted circular glass top rests within the perimeter of the bowl-form upper section.

The table exemplifies Bearden’s ability to merge sculpture and functional design into a singular expressive form. The heavily worked surface and organic asymmetry give the work a distinctly elemental quality, recalling volcanic formations, mineral growth, or marine structures while remaining unmistakably architectural in conception. Particularly successful is the contrast between the raw, tactile surface and the refined circular geometry of the overall composition.

Though highly sculptural, the table remains practical and versatile in scale, functioning equally well as a side table or pedestal-like accent within both contemporary and traditional interiors. As with Bearden’s strongest works, the piece balances mass, texture, and movement with unusual confidence and originality.

Bio:
James Bearden (American, b. 1964) is an abstract sculptor whose work explores the intersection of sculpture, architecture, and functional design. Working primarily in metal, Bearden has produced a number of ongoing series, including Cathedral, Assemblage, Voids, and Lunar Blooms. His work is held in corporate, municipal, and prominent private collections.