One-time fixtures on Plains become part of artwork

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By LUANN SCHINDLER / Norfolk Daily News

STUART — Tilting at windmills isn’t Jim Taylor’s style.

Instead, the retired art educator from Stuart sees the intrinsic beauty of the wheel that spins life for farmers and ranchers across the state.

In 2007, when the Center for Rural Affairs launched its first-ever statewide arts and tourism project, “Winds of Life: Windmills Across Nebraska,’’ Taylor immediately took interest.

In 1971, as a graduate student at then-Kearney State College, Taylor’s focus included a concentration in sculpture.

Taylor, who grew up near Broken Bow, combed the family farm for inspiration. He uncovered the pieces for his project in a shelterbelt where two Dempster windmills sat in disarray.

“I thought if I would combine the two, it would make a nice sculpture project,’’ Taylor said.

During that first summer school session, Taylor worked with the galvanized steel and titled the final creation “Dempster.’’

By this time, Taylor’s parents had moved to a new home in Broken Bow. For 20 years, the statue adorned the corner lot next to their house.

After both his parents died, the artwork needed a new home.

“Dempster’’ became the new focal point at the artist’s residence in Stuart. The sculpture sat neglected in his backyard.

After Taylor learned about the windmill project, he decided “Dempster’’ deserved a second wind.

“I saw the contest as a challenge to restore the sculpture and an opportunity to display it again,’’ Taylor said.

Each artist submitted a prototype, and from those proposals, 10 sculptures were selected. Taylor said the prototype of “Dempster’’ incorporated a Pringles can.

Once invited to participate in the competition, the transformation began.

The refurbishing process took nearly three months. First, the steel apparatus needed to be sandblasted. Next, a fresh coat of paint colored the blades.

Taylor said when he designed the sculpture for the class assignment, his costs totaled between $25 and $50. This time, the cost to revamp “Dempster’’ took $600.

“The paint cost over $150 a gallon,’’ he said.

Additionally, a few replacement parts were necessary to rejuvenate the sculpture. The Tri-County Bank of Stuart assisted Taylor’s efforts by sponsoring the artwork.

“Dempster’’ received Best of Show honors at a gala culminating the successful project. The sculpture is displayed at the Stuart Museum, but Taylor plans to make his backyard the piece’s permanent home.

Taylor said windmills are an important fixture on Nebraska’s landscape. Ranchers can’t get along without them.

“A windmill is how we get water, a source for irrigation. Sure, we use electricity and fuel, too, but a windmill is an efficient and economical way to get water to animals,’’ Taylor said.

Windmills also provide an aesthetically pleasing visual. When combined with the motion of the blade, the noise of the pump, and possible environmental elements, like frost on the blade and stand, a windmill is a true piece of art.