Everyone meet Tory Utt, the sculptor who isn’t just your average sculpture, Tory is a boss of his own handmade knife business that has been going on for 7 years! So not only does he love to make beautiful abstracted sculptures, he also loves to paint, and make functional knives that are useful to people. Tory started back at Marywood University in 2007 and graduate with his Masters degree in Fine Arts in 2013. Check out Tory’s personal website at: www.sacredbearknives.com or follow him on Instagram at: @sacredbearknives
Sharp to the Touch
What was your favorite part about studying art at Marywood? I enjoyed the size of the classes and the ability to get a lot of instructional time with the instructors. The art department facilities are state of the art and always accessible.
How did your art education at Marywood help your career?
My art education helped me experiment with different mediums and learn techniques that I may never have considered before attending. I had the opportunity to meet many creative people in a community that fostered unique ideas and experiences.
The pictures below are a few knives and sculptures that Tory has made. We love to check in with our Alumni and are honored to share Tory’s thoughts about Marywood with you.
What attracted you to this career path? I have always known that I would pursue a creative career path. It just feels right, and I strive to make a lasting impression in peoples lives with my art.
Did your career path match your vision of a career path? What is different? I have come to realize that my vision of my career path is like piece of clay being molded into different shapes over my journey, and I just keep creating no matter how it takes shape. I never expected to be making functional art such as fine art knives I am making now but I am obliged to continue as long as its fulfilling my creative passions.
What is your favorite thing about your current job? Being my own boss, although this comes with a lot of responsibility and discipline, it is very rewarding to know you have done it all by yourself at the end of each day.
Are you currently working on any interesting side projects? I am always working on many side projects, I have a few small scale sculptures going, and oil painting or two and I am teaching myself how to carve stone.
What are some of the biggest rewards in your career? Creating work that clients and collectors cherish and enjoy. I really want to share my work with the world, but I also try not to lose site of why I have been creating ever since I can remember and that is because the act of creating make me feel whole.
What is something that would surprise people about your day-to-day? I am not sure anything would. I am just another person on my life journey.
What inspires you? All the cliche things, nature, literature, historical art and other makers on social media and publications.
Anything else you would like to share? I am not sure. If you like my work, give me a follow on Instagram @sacredbearknives or contact me through my website at www.sacredbearknives.com. I am taking commissions.
Any advice for current art students at Marywood? Use your time at Marywood wisely and don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with your art. The time goes by so fast.
It’s so awesome to see how Tory at first didn’t expect to make fine art knives to start of his career, but he did! Now he’s his own boss having the pleasure of making lovely knives for people who are beyond satisfied with them. It always amazing to try to make others happy and love your artwork, but I also think it was great of Tory to point out that he doesn’t want to lose his site of the whole reason why he started to make artwork. Which was because artwork makes him feel whole. It’s always important to remember why you are doing something or making something. Is it for yourself or others? Never lose yourself by others requests or wants. Always try to throw some you time in your life, so you don’t forget your soul reason for doing something.
