I love reading. Love it! From my earliest childhood I would open a book, get lost in it’s stories and have my imagination carry me away to places of make-believe that were magical and beautiful, exciting and spooky, where I was a hero or a warrior, or alone on a deserted island. I could literally smell the humid jungle, hear the cries of a not so distant wolf, taste sweet gingerbread, and see pirate ships on the horizon. I felt the excitement of new discoveries and the occasional loss of a good friend. Stories were an escape from the mundane and simple life for a boy in a simple world. I devoured books as some kids would devour cookies and candy.

            That love of reading has never left me. As an artist and sculptor books are invaluable to me; they are a source of inspiration as well as reference. Many ideas have germinated from delving into the pages of a book.

            One of my greatest joys has been reading to my children. As each of my boys was born and growing, we would sit together on the couch, bed, floor, wherever we could, and read stories. I have laughed out loud as I have seen them act out stories that we have read together. As a sculptor I wanted to share my excitement and joy of reading and to show where it starts- in children. I created a piece I titled Bookworm of a young boy reading with a stack of books next to him, waiting to be read. This sculpture opened the door to a number of sculptures of children reading. What a joy it has been to have libraries purchase my pieces to have on display. What is even more exciting is to see the interaction that children have with these sculptures! I quote from a couple library directors,

"Greeting each and every patron that walks through the doors of the Orem Public Library is the beloved statue of the Bookworm by artist Gary Lee Price. Library staff often refer to this bronze likeness of a boy completely enchanted with his book as a “kid-magnet.” Few children can resist patting his head or climbing onto the stacks of books piled haphazardly at his feet. Orem Library staff and patrons alike agree that the Bookworm perfectly captures the wonder and joy that children of all ages experience upon opening the pages of a book.” -Staff of the Orem Public Library

“We have absolutely loved our statue of the Time Out Boy. Since he's situated at the entrance of our children's library, hundreds of children see him every week. Many will stop and interact with him as they read his book, pat his head, or try to climb into his lap. A favorite library legend is told about the boy. If you pat his head three times, you will find the perfect book that day. His head reflects the belief in the tale.” -Provo Public Library

To hear these experiences is rewarding beyond expression. I am so happy that my love of reading has been transferred not just to my children, but through the blessing of being able to express through sculpture, I have been able influence and share my love of reading to children I will never see or know. Now that is magic!