Victoire

Bronze sculpture, l6 l/2" high,
edition of 30 with 2 artist's proofs

Victoire began as a torso study in clay from a model, but the model's pose and attitude lacked energy and the unfinished wet sculpture lay dormant in my studio for many months. In the summer of 1995 I had the opportunity to study art in Paris that, for me, was dream- come- true. With my husband's support we made the financial sacrifice to make the trip possible. While visiting the Louvre I was both awestruck and inspired by the Nike of Samothrace. Having studied art history I was familiar with many textbook images of her but there is nothing equal to the opportunity to stand beneath her plinth and walk around the entire figure savoring her beauty from every point of view. Upon returning I couldn't wait to get back to the unfinished torso.

With the memory of Paris and the Nike still fresh in my soul I completed the sculpture. For me, Victoire represents the feeling of victory. For me, the victory came as a result of letting go of the reality of the model and sculpting from my heart.

The original terra cotta, which retains the color of the original clay body was fired in the kiln to cone 04 and has a waxed finish. It serves as the prototype for an edition of 30 to be cast in bronze. After making the mold off the original, it was sold in 1996.