Exciting, Inspiring & Humbling
It’s so interesting. I opened the article in Sculpture Review (thank you Ellen B. Cutler!), and was so excited when I saw the images of my pieces.
I was and am proud of my work, and of course, seeing it in a publication is always a huge boost. But then I looked at Judy Fox’s work…humbling.
Virgin Mary, 1993. Image from Judy Fox website, all rights reserved.
I’ve just returned from a trip to the National Gallery of Art. I stood in front of pieces that sculptors (and painters) did hundreds of years ago that were so much more accomplished than I am. Standing in front of the Rodin’s,
Rodin, The Age of Bronze
Rodin, The Walking Man, 1877
Rodin, The Evil Spirits, 1899
Brancusi’s,
Giacometti’s,
Degas’
Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, 1879
…all of the works I had seen in books my whole life. But even more so, the artists I’ve never seen, so many of whom were so extraordinary.
Florentine School, Madonna and Child, c. 1425, painted and gilded terracotta
Jean-Antoine Houdin, 1786, marble
Jean-Louise Lemoyne, 1792, marble
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Neapolitan Fisherboy, 1857, marble
There is always an impulse to say “why bother?” I had a moment…
I’ve thought about the trajectory of my life. Had I continued my education, taken a master degree or interned with a master, rather than going to work, raised beautiful children…pointless. Ultimately each one of us has our own destiny. We are who we are. it’s dificult being honest with oneself, but essential. It struck me that the most critical thing about powerful art is the combination of craft and voice. I have another 40 years to develop both.
Of course it’s important to acknowledge ones successes. Recognition from peers, sales, but the ultimate paycheck is internal. It’s about personal growth.
George Bernard Shaw said, “I want to be all used up when I die.” That about sums it up.
