R. T. Morgan was born in Rome, Georgia in 1960. He majored in art marketing and production at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Laurinburg, NC and at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. He apprenticed under a professional sculptor and has maintained a full time, professional artist studio in the Appalachian Mountains since 1986. He creates art in both two and three dimensions. Having worked mainly in stone into the late 1990’s, R.T. began working in steel and stainless steel as well as returning to his childhood passion of painting.
“Having created art for over 4 decades I have learned much. Art is an expression of the creator and hopefully draws attention to itself. The need to create is born in all people. How one nurtures that desire is what makes one a true artist.”
His art is represented in galleries in the southeast US as well as being placed in corporate and private collections throughout the world. In 2002, the 1750 square foot R.T. Morgan Art Gallery began showcasing various artists in addition to R.T.’s work, in downtown West Jefferson, NC. I’ve always believed that art is always inside the artist. His thoughts are almost constantly working the realm of art. Always designing, redesigning, creating, problem solving and dreaming. Artists must sort through these ever expanding thoughts and make the decisions as to which ones he wishes others to see. Only, then, when a physical product has occurred is it labeled “art”.
For myself, “full potential” is an unattainable goal. How can one reach such a point, when time is so limited but minds are not? In one lifetime an artist can create thousands of works, yet there are still thousands more in his mind that will only be seen by him.
“..stained glass shouldn’t be something to hang in a window. ”
– Camille Morgan
As a self taught stained glass artist since 1986, Camille Morgan discovered a world of talent within herself. Making simple sun catchers in her early years to now creating original door panels, window panels and even three dimensional stained glass wall hangings. She finds that she is constantly challenging herself with many new and complex art works. Her desire is to create more original works has led to the idea that leaded/copper foil glass shouldn’t be just something to hang in a window. Her diversified wall hangings have become a delight for the serious art collector.
Since the love of nature, flowers and gardening has inspired her work, she has her simple small garden creations to put into a potted plant, hang from the ceiling or just enjoy on the kitchen counter. She also creates very large creations of dragonflies, butterflies, fireflies, frogs, bird houses, mobiles, lots of lizards, and many more creative creatures with their own personality doing their own thing to put on a porch, home, or in your garden, Incorporated with glass and copper. From her simple garden creations to her complex 3-D original wall hangings, Camille’s work seems to delight all.
Editor’s Note: For the past 20 years, she has operated and co-owned the R.T. Morgan Art Gallery and Glass By Camille in West Jefferson North Carolina.