"Organica"

This is a photograph of the piece of sea weed washed up on Carter's Beach, Nova Scotia that inspired my latest sculpture. The shape intrigued me so I did a series of drawings based on the basic form going off in different directions until I arrived at the one that I ultimately used for the sculpture.

I actually could and may do several variations. The piece that now lives on the front lawn at the Central Square Library is made of mild steel and painted black and red. I would like to see it done different sizes and painted different colors. A very large one, maybe 8-10 feet tall would be nice. I think small for inside would be fun to see as well. I also would like to see what it would look like in stainless steel. I'd be in trouble if I had the money.

I have several proposed major projects for 2009, including a large scale piece for the Arts Center in Old Forge and a somewhat smaller sculpture for the Parish Public Library. Securing funding will be the trick.

More to follow! Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Organica"

Today we installed "Organica" in front of the Central Square Library. The steel sculpture is 48" tall and 32" wide. This piece was inspired by a piece of sea weed I found washed up on Carter's Beach in Queens County Nova Scotia this past summer.

The shape is taken directly from the sea weed which I photographed. I then added to it for a modern design and for structural integrity. The sculpture is mounted on a concrete pedestal about 12" off the ground. The pedestal is also resting on a concrete footer. I plan to go back in the spring and do some more work on the pedestal and raise it up about another 4"-6".

I am presently waiting on the title plate and then we will make the official presentation to the Library and do the photo-op thing for the newspapers.

Pictured here I am tightening the bolts that hold the sculpture to it's pedestal with my helper Steven Collaro.

This project was made possible by a grant from the New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) and the Syracuse Cultural Resources Council.

Special thanks to Randy Stier and Specialty Welding and Fabricating of Syracuse, NY.

NYSCA GRANT

The New York State Council for the Arts has awarded two Individual Artists Grants for 2008 in the amount of $1,000. This is the first year that NYSCA has included Oswego County in this program. I am fortunate to be the recipient of one of the awards. The $1,000 will go toward a public sculpture for the village of Central Square. This project is slated for the spring of 2008. NYSCA grants are administered through the Cultural Resources Council of Syracuse. http://www.cspot.org/