The Itch
Click thumbnails to view larger images.
Hover over big image to zoom.
Edition No: 9
Dimensions:
18" x 27"
Material: Bronze
“I think they call this animal the silver or grey ghost since, in spite of its size — its horns can stand almost as tall as the pedestal here — it moves quietly and gracefully through brush and rough country. As a sculptor one pieces together all the component parts of anatomy so that to the viewer the whole assemblage reads ‘Kudu’. But the components are modifications and re-designs of very similar basic features of quadruped, of pentadactyl limb, of vertebra and sensory organs, and in order to make ‘Kudu’ look ‘Kudu’ the sculptor has to note all the modifications and to an extent understand why they are as they are. Of its many strange features, the Kudu has a giant pair of ears, like buffalo and some other antelope, that hang out of their head at an odd angle, pushing out from beneath the horns.
Using a serpentine figure that has animated artwork throughout history, I have attempted to work this figure into a natural pose that tests my knowledge of anatomy and the character of the animal to a limit, making a feature of those ears while keeping the whole balanced and poised. The patina subtly describes the natural colouration of the animal and is built up in tiny layers to give the figure warmth and a recognisable outline.”