Brent Collins

Brent Collins

Brent Collins recently announced his intention to donate his entire collection of work to Missouri Western State University. This donation is an exciting addition to the campus and both aesthetically and intellectually. Brent’s work encapsulates mathematics within the forms to create  objects that speak across disciplines. Three pieces permanently on display in the math and sciences building exemplify this connection. The opportunity to study and appreciate the ideas, craftsmanship, and execution of the work gives students a direct connection and understanding in three dimensions.

Brent Collins’ has been sculpting since 1968. He and his wife live just south of St. Joseph in Gower, Missouri. Making wooden patterns by hand, Brent then makes bronze castings from the patterns to create some of his work. Currently Brent uses a two-part epoxy to create forms in the series blossomes. The white surface of these pieces gives the viewer a chance to see how light defines the form.

A number of Brent’s works represent mathematical equations. His work has been studied and discussed by mathematicians around the world. “My work communicates the beauty of mathematics in clarified visual form,” Collins says.

His sculptures have been collected by H&R Block, Warner Brothers, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and various corporations and private collectors throughout the country. Brent has lectured at Microsoft, MIT, and Stanford University. Two of Brent’s works were included in the 2009 Warner Brother’s movie, Watchmen. Look for them in the character Dr. Manhattan’s collection.