12″ x 12″ x 5″
This old man with a cane over his arm, sits in a chair, and looks down over a distant village. He seems relaxed. His hat adds a note of formality to the setting. The rich amber-red color of the glass hints of autumn. The city is Santa Fe, noticed by its Cathedral, hills, winding roads and architecture. Today, few remember the sentiment that gave rise to the city’s name, “Holy Faith.” This man does. He sits wondering. I like to think of him as grateful.
18″ x 11″ x 4″
When Mary greeted the pregnant Elizabeth it is said that the life within her womb moved. Some say leapt. Mary sang what is today known as the Magnificat or the Song on Mary.
I have heard other pregnant women say that they have known what it is like to be greeted by a loved one and to have the life within them to stir.
I’ve carved into clay the opening words of the Magnificat (akin to “I am blessed) in eight different languages.
It is designed as an outdoor hanging.
H20″ x W7″ x D7″
If you place your hand over the top half of this figure’s face it will seem as if it is a female in a monk-like robe. Slide your hand down to cover the lower half of the face and she will appear a male. An observer of this piece remarked, “Just like today. I have to look twice at some people, especially metro types. Hard to tell man or woman.”
Not bad, I thought. That’s something of the sentiment I tried to capture.
Our sexual identities likely began to be shaped around the third year of life. Today lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and queer individuals have found their voice. We are the better for it.
This little piece was created for no other reason than to stand as a quiet reminder of creation’s ways.
H29″ x W14″ x D5″
Steel and Ceramic
Base is flat steel, 19″ x 10″
Contemporary Mexican sculpture has strength, vibrancy, and colors that reflect its varied ancient traditions. Refer to Federico Silva’s work. Click on his website (museofedericosilva.org). Few artists have their own museum. He is one who does. This is a small piece when compared to his. Fashioned in iron and steel is my homage to his muse.
Ceramic Goddess is 24″ x12″ x 16″
Steel base is 24″ x 17″ x 8″
Gardens have a hidden life, much of it underground, and all of it mysterious. Anyone who knows the satisfaction as well as the frustrations of gardening is aware of that secret life. The market for fertilizers and chemicals is a hint that we want to control that secret life.
This garden goddess is calm, focused, and quiet. She’s more about caring than controling.
H 16″ x W 12″ x D 12″
This Bodhisattva may be likened to the Japanese Bodhisattva known as Jizo, the guardian of children, travelers, and fireman. I have sculpted a cloth on her right arm and a rose on her shoulder. Others might liken the cloth to a wash rag. It reminds me of the need to serve. Doing, not merely reflection, is also the soil from which wisdom is born. Both seem to take a lifetime to discover.
16″ x 16″ x 24″
Ceramic, wood base
This Saint Francis is modeled after a photo taken by James Frazier of a stone sculpture by Frank Gaylord. Usually Francis is depicted as a small fragile fellow, ascetic if not gaunt. Not this time. Gaylord has carved a massive figure, bent over, legs spread, attentive to … if not communicating with … a small bird. The juxtaposition of the two is striking.
Gaylord’s stone carving stands in the St Peter and Paul Cemetery, Naperville, Illinois