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Joined: Jul 07, 2005
Posts: 1564
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Who's seen the work of James B. Casey of California at Pacific Ocean Park or one of Steve Crane's restaurants?
(from the Helena Independent Record 15 July 1960)
CASEY AT THE AX
Sculptor Finds Outlet
in Amusement Park
OIDESHOW sculptor James B. Casey is a
modern Paul Bunyan of the art world
whose creative works are much in evidence
at Pacific Ocean park in Los Angeles.
Mr. Casey lives and works there in an
area where the South Sea Islands, an Alaskan
village, and a visit to the old West are
only minutes apart. His unique statuary is
almost everywhere on display. Massive
totem poles, ornate wooden heads and
elaborate columns that the husky six-footer
carved are located throughout the park.
Made from giant redwood logs, the statuary
is hand-carved by Casey, whose principal
tool is a double-edged woodsman's ax.
Many of the grotesque wooden heads that
Casey carved are used as targets by ball
throwers.
A former musician and television producer-
director, Mr. Casey finds that creating
with his hands is a far more lucrative
and self-satisfying occupation. As an artist
he is not the least bit embarrassed to
have his work displayed in a carnival-like
setting. The only problem with an outdoor
exhibition, Casey finds, is the great amount
o£ maintenance needed to keep the statuary
in good condition. Besides supplying exotic
art for amusement parks, Casey does a
large business creating unusual works of
art for members of the film colony. "South
Sea Island statuary seems to be the favorite
at the moment," says the sideshow sculptor.
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