PIECE SPECIFICATIONS:
Corten steel, bronze, stainless steel; 6' 2" x 1'4" x 10" ~ 100 lbs
CREATION DATE:
2008
click photos to enlarge
HOMETOWN:
New Orleans, LA
STUDIO LOCATION:
Baton Rouge, LA
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SCULPTING?
I have been a professional artist for 31 years.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO THIS MEDIUM?
Metals became a strong interest because of the processes involved, the durability and structural presence.
WHERE DID THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS SELECTED PIECE DERIVE?
Pharaoh is inspired by historical use of the figure as part of architecture and the artifacts buried with deceased.
TELL US ABOUT THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH CRAFTING THIS PIECE.
The challenges were finding the balance between the figurative and the architectural components as well as balancing the varied materials.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE THIS PIECE?
The work was completed over several months; creating the figurative part in wax, then taking it through the bronze casting process and choosing and manipulating the corten steel, stainless steel and secondary bronze.
HOW DO YOU WANT THE SCULPTURE GARDEN AUDIENCE TO LOOK AT YOUR WORK?
As with all of my art, I want the audience to approach the work with their own life experiences and thoughts.
WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE TAKES AWAY FROM YOUR PIECE?
The audience members should take from the work an individual response that relates to their world.
WHAT OTHER ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?
I enjoy the work of August Rodin and Alberto Giacometti and inspiration comes from many forms—nature, architecture and history.
WHY DO YOU DO THE WORK YOU DO?
I am compelled to do this work. When I begin creating a concept for public artwork, it is an evolutionary process. The request for proposal generally states the mission of the project and what hopes to be achieved with the public art piece. The journey begins as an artist, the moment I attempt to translate the project concept into a vision that can be realized into sculptural form. When the form is received and understood, then the process is successful and extremely rewarding for everyone involved along the way, and for years to come when one engages with the work of art.
WHERE DO YOU HAVE OTHER WORKS?
I have permanent sculptures in public collections of Clackamas County, OR; Little Rock, AR; Chattanooga, TN; Hattiesburg, MS; Metairie, LA; Grand Isle, LA; Jean Lafitte, LA; Covington, LA; Glenview, IL; Suwanee, GA; and Tempe, AZ. Additionally, I have work in private collections across the USA. I am currently working on a piece for San Marcos, TX.
HOW DO YOU FINANCE THE WORK THAT YOU DO?
I make a living from my art.
