Joseph Fichter is a professional sculptor with 40 years of experience. His home, sculpture studio and horsebarn are located in Putney, VT, where he has devoted his work to welded and forged horse sculptures for the past 16 years.
Inspired by the horse in motion, Fichter strives to be true to the spirit of these beautiful creatures. His deep respect for the material and the working process are key elements that inform his work.
Joseph Fichter studied art at Antioch College, Ohio, and City and Guilds of London Art School, London, England. Formerly, Fichter was the Sculpture and Drawing Teacher and Arts Department Chair at The Putney School, Putney, VT. His sculptures are part of private and public collections in the US and abroad, including among others, the city of Grand Junction, CO; Sierndorf Castle, Sierndorf, Austria; and the Vermont State Police, Williston, VT.
Many of these works were commissioned, public and private. Most recently, he has completed the creation of six larger than life-size wild horses in steel, permanently installed in two roundabouts on Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, Colorado. These monumental sculptures serve as the gateway to the city from Interstate 70.
Currently, Joseph Fichter is exhibiting his sculptures at West Branch Gallery, Stowe, VT and Miller’s Thumb Gallery, Greensboro, VT. His work can also be seen by appointment at his home sculpture garden. Looking ahead, Fichter will continue to create horse sculptures on a commissioned basis. He will also delve into further abstracting the horse and reaching beyond the horse in his free form steel sculptures.
EDUCATION
1978 Apprenticed to John Segerin, Master Woodcarver
1977 Apprenticed to Charles Ginnever, Metal Sculptor
1976 Welding Certificate. Ambit Welding School, Groton, CT
1976 BA Fine Art. Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH
1972 Diploma. City and Guilds of London Art School, London, England