Fellow thre-dimensionoids,
On Tuesday December 6 we will not be meeting at the Guild Building. Instead, the group will meet at the Arizona Artist Alliance Gallery in Scottsdale at 7 P.M. for a special presentation by Sculptor Hal Stewart.
Hal has just completed his monumental sculpture “Pima Basket Carrier” and will be delivering it to the gallery. This is to get ready for the presentation of the full sculpture to the clients who will install her at the entry of the SRP-MIC casinos on Indian Bend.
Hal wrote this narrative on how the piece came to be:
"Several years ago, probably about 2004, the City of Scottsdale asked for artists suggestions for a new sculpture monument at West World. I wanted to do a monument incorporating the Salt River Pima Community. I contact the SRP-MIC and met with several tribal officials including Shane Anton, Thomas Jackson, Steve Hoza, Kelly Washington, and one other person. I wanted some pictures of a Pima farmer to add that individual to my monument.
"The tribal members suggested that instead of a Pima farmer, I might want to consider a Pima basket carrier – much easier to recognize. Returning to my studio, I finished the small piece. I included a Pima basket carrier, a cowgirl, and a business man emerging from a tall pyramid.
"The City of Scottsdale eventually abandoned the project and my model sat in my studio for many years, gathering dust. One day, driving through the Salt River reservation, the thought struck me that I should finish the Pima basket carrier as I had not seen anything similar to her.
"In November 2009 I had the small model of the Pima Basket Carrier casted in bronze. She stands 23 inches tall. Because of the success of the small 23” Pima Basket Carrier, I felt it was time to make a life-size Pima Basket Carrier.
"Several years ago, probably about 2004, the City of Scottsdale asked for artists suggestions for a new sculpture monument at West World. I wanted to do a monument incorporating the Salt River Pima Community. I contact the SRP-MIC and met with several tribal officials including Shane Anton, Thomas Jackson, Steve Hoza, Kelly Washington, and one other person. I wanted some pictures of a Pima farmer to add that individual to my monument.
"The tribal members suggested that instead of a Pima farmer, I might want to consider a Pima basket carrier – much easier to recognize. Returning to my studio, I finished the small piece. I included a Pima basket carrier, a cowgirl, and a business man emerging from a tall pyramid."The City of Scottsdale eventually abandoned the project and my model sat in my studio for many years, gathering dust. One day, driving through the Salt River reservation, the thought struck me that I should finish the Pima basket carrier as I had not seen anything similar to her.
"In November 2009 I had the small model of the Pima Basket Carrier casted in bronze. She stands 23 inches tall. Because of the success of the small 23” Pima Basket Carrier, I felt it was time to make a life-size Pima Basket Carrier.
"This life-size Pima Basket Carrier woman shows pride and dignity. She has the sweet gentle face of a grandmother yet she is strong and resilient. It is my belief that this life-size figure (9 feet to the tip of her poles) will enhance the beautiful entrances to the two casinos located on the SRP-MIC or their tribal headquarters. She should be presented atop a 3 feet tall river boulder wall.
"This is the first life-size piece I have done and I am proud of the outcome. I’ve lived in this Valley for 43 years and am familiar with the Salt River Community. I hope they like my work."
Hal will be describing his techniques on sculpting this monumental piece; how he takes it from a maquette to a large piece; how an artist has to do to apply for the large commission. And then he will show us how he would assemble it at the final resting place.
In addition to Hal's presentation, we'll be having our usual peer critique, so bring your works to discuss, whether finished, in-progress, in-concept or photographed.
We will also have a round-table discusion on the topic "Sexuality/sensuality--how to portray it and how much is too much?"
Please join us at the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery on Tuesday night, December 6th, at 7 P.M. at 9011 E. Indian Bend in Scottsdale, AZ. It is located on the south side of the road, just west of the 101 and Indian Bend. I'll be driving from northern Peoria, so if anyone would like to meet me at the Guild Building and carpool to Scottsdale, just drop me an e-mail.
"This is the first life-size piece I have done and I am proud of the outcome. I’ve lived in this Valley for 43 years and am familiar with the Salt River Community. I hope they like my work."
Hal will be describing his techniques on sculpting this monumental piece; how he takes it from a maquette to a large piece; how an artist has to do to apply for the large commission. And then he will show us how he would assemble it at the final resting place.
In addition to Hal's presentation, we'll be having our usual peer critique, so bring your works to discuss, whether finished, in-progress, in-concept or photographed.
We will also have a round-table discusion on the topic "Sexuality/sensuality--how to portray it and how much is too much?"
Please join us at the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery on Tuesday night, December 6th, at 7 P.M. at 9011 E. Indian Bend in Scottsdale, AZ. It is located on the south side of the road, just west of the 101 and Indian Bend. I'll be driving from northern Peoria, so if anyone would like to meet me at the Guild Building and carpool to Scottsdale, just drop me an e-mail.
Matt
