Xix (or the struggle)

Xix
Cloth/metal/wood/foam/found objects
33" x 25" x 8"

This small antelope, Xix, was just finished in preparation for my show in February at the Jane Sauer Gallery, in Santa Fe. This is the third solo show that I will be having with Jane. Earlier shows have been great successes, which puts pressure on me to make even better work for this upcoming show,

Right now I'm in my studio, looking out my window at a just completed running canine. It started off (like every other piece) with high expectations and happy memories of easily building another piece. The reality turned out to be quite different. Right from the beginning its been a difficult process. I've had to redo, re-carve, redesign and remake every part of it, from the head to the feet, and lastly, when I thought I was done, I had to totally remake the base! Its like I've made the piece over and over again.

This is a first...I've never had such trouble completing a piece. But its done and sitting in my back yard waiting for the final process, the applying of the patina. At this moment,with everything that's happened, I think best thing for both of us to spend a little time apart.

Public Installation

My gallery dealer, Jane Sauer, got the state of New Mexico to purchase one of my sculptures for its Art in Public Places program. A large flying bird was purchased for a new animal shelter in Grants, New Mexico.

About a week ago I drove to Grants, which is two hours away from Santa Fe. The two employees that worked there were fascinated by the piece. After spending some time with them and explaining my idea's and background, they totally got it. They started telling me stories about the bird, where it had come from and how it was able to survive. What fun to have such a positive response to the work.

SOFA Chicago

I completed my installation of Creatures of Curiosity at the SOFA Chicago Art Fair in November. I had a twelve foot wall to work with-plenty of room to mount the lettering, the artist statement and the nine pieces.

With all the planning and thought that went into the presentation and all that room, the work attracted a lot of attention during the four day fair. Many people remembered my work from the year before. But I was most amazed that they were able to see the progression in it. (These new pieces are more complex, elaborate and some of the creatures have become more fanciful.)

Five pieces sold and I got one commission, which I am working on right now. My solo show at the Jane Sauer Gallery will start in mid February. I want to have at least fifteen creatures for that show. I'd better get busy!