Spring

Bronze, 9 ½" high, Edition of 50

Spring is the result of a model canceling one day. A few sculptors and myself were set up and, while waiting for her, I began to fool around with clay from a figure sketch by Joseph Sheppard. I created the sculpture from my knowledge of human anatomy and how I felt about this exaggerated and animated pose. I spent hours on this little clay figure and had fun. After making a mold of the clay prototype, I raku fired it and gave it to a friend who really liked it. I called the raku sculpture Free for two reasons: first, I was freed from reality by the model and, second, I gave it away!

I renamed the bronze Spring. As spring represents rebirth and renewal, so also does woman: capable of giving birth and producing the nourishment to sustain life. Personally, I get the feeling of vulnerability from this figure as she sits openly, her neck exposed. Her body is naked and she is open to criticism, however, she remains unwavering in her pose and confident. With her back arched and her face held high she conveys pride and strength. She is not ashamed or intimidated and, for me, this is what makes her strong, it is what makes her special. She is woman; she is Spring!