Independence Gallery, a local gallery near the studio, is owned by a friend named Billie who is also a painter. She's a go-getter. My wife and I enjoy having lunch with Billie on occasion because her optimistic attitude is contagious and we like filling our creative buckets from her reservoirs. Billie is the one I plan to do a "raven" project with. I'll create the sculpture and she'll do a matching painting. At the moment the current project is an art show she invited me to be a part of. She, another artist named Deb Groesser and myself are part of an Animals in Art "show" that runs June 5th-July 3rd with a reception on June 14th. Part of the procedes from sells will benefit the Animal Rescue of the Rockies. I'm grateful to be a part
My wife and I had to travel to Omaha (Nebraska) for business this week. We thought bringing the kids along and making a trip out of it would be worthwhile. We'd heard that the zoo there was one of the top in the nation. And boy was it. Many of the animals are close enough to touch, even the lions, but of course we didn't. A women had her husband move some tall grass that blocked her view of the lions in an effort to get a better picture. The lioness, which was less than 6 feet away in their cage, showed her teeth and her unhappiness at the man. Those of us seeing this happen quickly remembered that these animals, although nice to look at, are wild. It was a great opportunity to see many animals up close. My wife heard me say several times "I want to sculpt that now". Duplicating a scene, capturing a moment of such animals in bronze was on my mind too often that day. Sculpting some of these treasures of nature haunted me and will for some time. We all appreciated the chance to have seen these beautiful creatures in person.
I really enjoy performing as a live bronze sculpture...most of the time. The drunks and non-monitored youth or children can put a damper on the day. This past Saturday I was invited and sponsored to attend a small town's big annual celebration. When kids from ages 6-18 have free reign, I can sometimes pay the price. During other events when parents are close at hand the touching, poking, pushing, and horse-play only goes so far, but for some reason this specific event (my second thus far, I also attended the 2012) brought much unwanted attention from trouble makers. That said, there were fun times and I shocked, played with and entertained many who were sweet and didn't cross the lines. My next event I've been asked to attend is July, 13. READ MORE ABOUT BEING A LIVING STATUE HERE. |
AuthorThese updates are written by Eli Hopkins. Archives
October 2013
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