By: Robin Yocum
Mac Worthington’s father was a classically trained artist who sculpted the intricate busts of the inductees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
When his son announced that he wanted to pursue a career making abstract metal art, the senior Worthington told him it was a waste of time. “You’ll never be able to make a living in abstract metal art,” he said.
Mac’s response was curt. “Watch me.”
It’s been years since that conversation took place, and the self-taught Mac has been true to his words. His work can be found in at least 13 countries and all 50 states. He has both a loyal local and international following.
And all of this from his studio and gallery on Houseman Road in western Delaware County. The affable Mac has created an artist’s haven on three acres that includes a sculpture park with more than 100 of his original creations, a metal studio, a painting studio, his 1,500-square-foot gallery, and the log house he calls home.
“I love it here,” Mac said. “When I bought this property, it was nothing but woods. I hauled hundreds and hundreds of trees out of here. Over time, I was able to build everything I want and need.”
Mac had a gallery in the Short North section of Columbus until four years ago, when he built the new gallery on his property. It is bright, airy and full of his trademark colorful metal sculptures and paintings – both on canvas and metal.
The compound is a favorite spot for senior excursions, school trips, and groups such as Girl Scouts.
“They love wandering the sculpture garden,” Mac said. “But I also give them a behind-the-scenes look at how the sausage is made. When you go to most galleries, you see the art and that’s all. When I get a group here, I let me go into my studios and see how I cut the metal or stretch my own canvas for paintings. I take them behind the curtain and let them see how it’s done.”
Mac’s specialty has long been metal sculptures. He started out welding together recycled pieces and over time honed his craft to the polished pieces he produces today. In the art world, is metal sculptures are referred as “giant jewelry.” His paintings in the abstract expressionistic style can be purchased on metal or canvas.
Although very much the artist, Mac is also a businessman. He understands the demand for custom work and also creates functional pieces such as bars, tables, mirror frames and bathroom vanities. If you can think it, he mostly likely can create it.
Mac welcomes visitors, but if you plan to bring a group, he would like some advance notice so that he’ll be around. “I’m an army of one out here,” he said. “I don’t want a bus load of people showing up and I’m not around.”
To schedule a tour or bring a group to his sculpture garden and check out the gallery and studios, reach out to Mac at 614.582.6788 or macwartist@aol.com.
To check out Mac’s work online, visit: macworthington.com.
