SCULPTURE CONSIDERED FOR SITE D
Option 1 of 2
Media: pro-bond concrete, fiberglass, ceramic, aluminum
Height: 10’ 8”
Weight: 250lbs
It is kinetic, click here to view (Powered by wind)
ARTIST SUPPLIED STATEMENTS:
Describe how the proposed sculpture connects to the community of the proposed installation location.
The proposed sculpture Neptune Jr. connects to the community on many different levels. First, the sculpture speaks for marine ecosystem awareness and how the next generation of children will inherit the oceans and planet that we hand over to them. Therefore, it's important to protect our environment and our oceans today, so our kids and grandkids can enjoy nature's bounty and beauty into the future. Second, the sculpture has a playful element that people can relate to and have fun with the idea of a little child riding a hammerhead shark all on top of a classical column! The sculpture is mounted on a bearing and will also slowly rotate in the wind, making it ever changing in direction.
Describe how the sculpture complements the proposed installation location.
The Neptune Jr. sculpture complements the proposed installation location based on all parameters. The sculpture is vertical, will perfectly fit the provided base structures, will not obstruct and or be in the way for its surroundings, and is ADA safe. The elegant classical column will enhance the area by giving it stature, and the realistic hammerhead shark and child will provide a contemporary element to the composition.
Describe how the sculpture engages the public.
The Neptune Jr. sculpture will engage the public by the fact that its kinetic and will gently turn in the wind, meaning that the direction of the sculpture will be ever changing. Since the sculpture combines classical and contemporary elements, it will evoke a thought process, a sense of wonder and curiosity. The playful idea of a child riding a shark will create joyful mood and will be a point of conversation within the community.
Describe how the sculpture enhances a sense of community.
Sculpture for millennia has created focal points within communities across the globe. Sculptures tend to bring people together similar to that of campfires, where people gather to meet, talk and share ideas. I believe that thought provoking and aesthetic sculptures stick in people's memories, they become a topic of discussion, they are easy markers for meeting friends and family and are good excuses to take your friends and loved one's for a walk. Since the message of my sculpture is positive and forward thinking, I believe that the public at large will benefit from knowing that it takes a community to tackle real life problems, such as protecting our environment and oceans for our children and grandchildren.
Option 2 of 2
Media: Granite, stone and cement
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 160lbs
It is not kinetic
ARTIST SUPPLIED STATEMENTS:
Describe how the proposed sculpture connects to the community of the proposed installation location.
The piece "Hermes" connects to the community in a number of ways, in particular at this location in Leucadia. It is a highly accessible representation of Hermes, a figure from Greek mythology, which is a great fit in Leucadia taking many of its location and street names from Greek mythology, and with Hermes Ave less than a hundred yards away. It is a playful figure, just like Hermes is known as a playful trickster figure, and as such perfectly suited to be placed by a playground. Old and young, and everyone in between, will enjoy a playful connection with it. It also is a great fit for a park as it is made in a natural and expressive style; it uses natural granite stone, left in its found shape to form the head, a stone that was sourced locally in Encinitas.
Describe how the sculpture complements the proposed installation location.
The proposed location is a park and adjacent to a playground. I think the natural stone look of the figure is a great fit for a park and its natural surroundings. And the theme of Hermes as a playful mythical figure with winged feet complements the playground, speaking to children, parents, grandparents and anyone enjoying the park and community.
Describe how the sculpture engages the public.
It is a representational figurative sculpture in a natural, almost primitive and expressive style. The oversized head gives it a playful look, almost like that of a child's drawing. As such it is highly accessible and viewers find an immediate "Aha-connection", recognizing simple shapes and the use of a found bolder as the oversized head. Beyond that the materiality of the work invites reflection of our connection with nature, and how art has the potential to transform nature through the creative process. On the thematic level it stimulates meditation as a representation of Hermes, a figure from Greek mythology, in a primitive style that is an intentional and playful contrast to classical Greek sculpture. This natural style is also in contrast to much of what we are presented with in today's highly technological consumer society.
Describe how the sculpture enhances a sense of community.
I think it can be the kind of sculpture that has the potential to become a beloved member of the community, that people might refer to when arranging a meeting place ("let's meet by Hermes in Oaks Park"), or to take their picture with. I think the playful nature of the figure that speaks to children and adults will also enhance a sense of community.
