Photo by Marcus Heerdt/Fall River County Herald-Star

Artist Morgan B. Fields works on her barbed wire cave formation sculptures in a studio at the Riverfront Gallery in Hot Springs.

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By Marcus Heerdt

HOT SPRINGS – Interdisciplinary sculpture artist Morgan B. Fields has set up shop inside a small studio at the Riverfront Gallery in downtown Hot Springs, a space that she uses to sculpt unique barbed wire creations.

“I began working with barbed wire about four years ago while I was in college,” Fields said. “One of my instructors told me to find a different material to work with, but I stuck with it.”

Fields is an Omaha, Neb., native and moved to Hot Springs with her boyfriend in August of 2022 to be closer to rock climbing and snowboarding opportunities.

Fields attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art. Her capstone art project involved creating a nearly eight-foot-high barbed wire sculpture titled “Exaltation,” which was on display at the Weber Art Gallery at the university.

Although she admits that working with barbed wire is time consuming and oftentimes frustrating, Fields positively describes the process as “art therapy.”

“It is fascinating how the mind operates and processes different emotions,” Fields said. “A good way to look at it is that my barbed wire art relates back to struggles with mental illness. It’s therapeutic.”

A lover of caves, Fields said she enjoys exploring the many caves around the Black Hills and is currently working on sculpting barbed wire stalactites and stalagmites. In the past she has also made anything from barbed wire centipedes to human busts.

Once a barbed wire project is complete, Fields uses a special type of glue to cover the barbs and can even change the color of the wire by using fire.

In addition to her sculpture work, Fields is a printmaker and leathermaker. Her recent leathermaking skills have led her to create leather art from Kombucha tea.

“I am excited to be living and working in Hot Springs and am very thankful that I now have an indoor studio,” Fields said. “If interested in my art, stop into the gallery or visit my website.”

The Riverfront Gallery at the Morris Grand Building is located at 405 N River Street and is open on Fridays from noon to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fields’ website is www.morganbfields.com, and she can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.