THE ROOTS OF DANCE started out with me finding some driftwood on a lakeshore which when combined together (with minor trimming) reminded me of a pair of dancers from a recently seen contemporary dance performance. I hope and believe that my ROOTS OF DANCE comes close to capturing the grace, power and enthusiasm of the original dancers. Found objects on an artist-made wooden base. 12” x 9” x 6 ½”
I’ve never really understood the “sport” of trophy hunting, particularly when the “trophy” is not something capable of hunting you back. For food or fur, okay, but just for a head to hang on a wall? Having said that, TROPHY: THE LAST RED-CRESTED WATCHAMACALLIT represents my first, and probably last, venture into the art of trophy gathering of endangered species. TROPHY: THE LAST RED-CRESTED WATCHAMACALLIT is a mosaic/mixed media wall hanging composed of glass, hand built paper clay, marbles and MDF. 12”H x 7 ½”W x 10”D
I recently completed a four day woodcarving course at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV taught by Bob Barris. I came back with all my fingers still intact, some knowledge of woodcarving, and the intention to keep working in this medium. The piece shown above on the left is my first student piece, a classic “Wood Spirit” with hair and beard; and the one on the right shows how I morphed it into my own design, a “Medieval Knight” with helmet, sword, shield, chain mail and a beard. Having ordered the tools I think I need to keep carving, I’m going to spend the next few weeks with a sketch pad and sorting through my wood pile.
John Fansmith 