In this work I’m experimenting with combining  figurative sculpture and assemblage. It’s based on Greek mythology, but I pick up the storyline where the myth leaves it off.  It’s probably the most conceptual piece I’ve done.

This assemblage is the result of a song that’s played on the radio all the time.  One of those catchy melody- silly lyrics- songs that just get stuck in your head for days.  I had this sketch laying around for a few months, and now it turned into something that reminds one of the lyrics of the song:  ”I have my high heels on, and my black mini skirt”. 

This beautiful bronze monument by British sculptor Vernon March is in Orillia, on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada. It was erected in 1925 for the 300th anniversary of French explorer Samuel de Champlain’s visit to the area. Champlain was looking for a shorter passage to the West Indies. He explored and mapped the St. Lawrence waterway and parts of the Great Lakes, built the first settlement in New France, Quebec, and established fur trading with native peoples. He befriended the Hurons, pushed for their christianization and even participated in their war against the Iroquois tribes. He became  governor of New France until his death in 1635.

I don’t know how many aboriginal people are depicted on monuments across North America, I’m guessing not many. I read that the positioning of these natives below Champlain and at the feet of the fur trader and the missionary is raising questions amongst the aboriginal community, however I found the inscription  on the commemorative plaque far more offensive towards native people. I will refrain from posting a photo of it.

Champlain himself cannot be viewed from up close, being so high up, but the natives can, and I did enjoy that tremendously. I don’t know what models the sculptor used, but he did a wonderful job.  The broad, muscular back of one of the natives is beautifully modelled, and so are the feet. Not even the pitiful graffiti can ruin the awe.

Being so taken by the figures and detail, I neglected taking a picture of the whole monument. Here is a picture from Canuck with a camera:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/canuckwithacamera/1074367734/

And I found this picture at the Orillia Public Library site,  taken outside the artist’s studio in England. It gives the viewer a good idea about the scale of the figures. Really impressive.

http://images.ourontario.ca/orillia/details.asp?ID=20404

Finally she’s finished! Paper mache, acrylic patina, life size.

Untitled. I really like the composition and textures of this piece.

Detail:

Lifesize,  made of paper mache after a  few photographs I had of her.  The headscarf will be modelled in mache as well, when the head completely dries out.

A demo of my figurative sculpted pendants now can be viewed on You Tube:

These and more can be purchased at:  http://www.manoworld.etsy.com