The Beginning
Things are already moving fast. Within just a couple of weeks of talking to Dallas Baptist University about the possibility of creating a sculpture of a praying man, I’m headed to Dallas to meet Shannen Smith and Dr. Blackburn.
Usually a life size sculpture of this size would take an artist about 3 months to sculpt and an additional 3 months in the foundry- at a minimum. I have one month to sculpt and three months at the foundry.
When Shannen from DBU first called me about sculpting a praying man I was reminded about a desire that I had many, many years ago. When I first began sculpting I had a vision of creating a series of bronze sculptures of praying people and having them set within public places. I envisioned a man in a suit kneeling next to his brief case, a housekeeper kneeling, a student on the way to school and others. Prayer has always been important to me. I felt that the series would remind others to pray. I had that vision nearly 30 years ago. I figured if that sculpture series happened it would have to happen through a client. You see bronzes are so expensive to create. After so many years, I had almost forgotten about that vision, until this phone call. When I received a call from DBU, there was a part of my heart that leapt at the fulfillment of a portion of this old creative vision.
Continuing our work on the Praying Man for Dallas Baptist University. You can find their project blog on Blogspot.
Tomorrow Evelyn Goes Home
It has been a while in between posts, but tomorrow we will be bringing the Evelyn sculpture to the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. She may be home, but she will be standing somewhere out of site until the plaque is ready and plans have been made for installation. It won’t be long now. Pictures to come.
Prayers
I am especially excited about the praying man project for Dallas Baptist University because, through the years my life has been full of prayer, and I have had a burden of intercessory prayer for others. I think it is something I inherited from my mother, if you ascribe to the idea that you can inherit spiritual gifts. I do know there has been generations of faithful Christian women, and I’m immensely pleased to be a part of that inheritance.
- Over the years, many have said that my talent for sculpting is a “God given gift.” That is a huge responsibility. I pray often for that gift and guidance.
- Throughout my career, I have done several sculptures of people praying. Years ago I had a garden sculpture line and created two sculptures of children praying. One was of a little girl, and the other is this one of a little boy praying and peeking up at God
- One of the first pieces in my God’s Word Collectibles line was of two girls praying with the scripture James 5:15 “Pray One For Another.” Each sculpture in the series comes with a letter from me saying why this scripture is important in my life.
Pray one for another…
Confess your faults one to another;
and pray one for another;
that ye may be healed.
The effectual and fervent prayer
of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16
garden sculpture series that I created
years ago.
Continuing our work on the Praying Man for Dallas Baptist University. You can find their project blog on Blogspot.
Welcome to The Process Blog of Creating a Praying Man
Welcome to the project blog for the Dallas Baptist University. sculpture of the praying man. As a writer and a perpetual documenter, I love to create these project blogs for clients. I do this for several reasons:
Richard Hathaway
made into bronze and sitting
at the Vermont
College Campus.
- It is a way for my clients and their friends to watch the progress of a sculpture, to see the entire process and marvel. It is as if the client and their friends are in my studio watching over my shoulder.
- Someone recently asked me to describe myself. I said, “I’m passionate, creative and highly motivated. I have a strong spiritual side, and my driving force, which is almost an obsession is not just to get to my goal and destination, but to see how many people I can help along the way.” This means if I learn a life lesson, or I find tools that will help me with my craft I must share them. In light of that, if you are an artist, you will find lots of information here, and even tutorials that will further help your exploration into your own creative processes.
- I am both a writer and a sculptor and the two parts of me fight for my attention. This is a way for me to entertain them both and make them friends.
- I find my memory is not that great, so on a humorous note, I’m often Goggling myself and what I know to remember what it is I shared. This way I can find that special vendor, or step by step process that otherwise would get lost in the recesses of my brain.
I hope you enjoy the project blog. I look forward to your comments.
Continuing our work on the Praying Man for Dallas Baptist University. You can find their project blog on Blogspot.
A Dog Bookmarks Your Life RIP- EMMY
Our animals grow with us, experience joy with us and even mourn with us. Today we celebrate the life of Emmy a mutt that we found at the SPCA back in 1998. She was a gift to our family upon our return from our wedding that year.
My daughter was 13 back then. She cried when she saw her and begged us, “I want this one,” even though Emmy was so nervous and peed on the floor during our visit. My son was a couple of years younger. Emmy would get so excited when I would tell her that her “boy” was coming for a visit. Both of my children are now grown, living in their own homes and having children of their own.
It is interesting to look back on your life and see the bookmark of a family pet in so many important events.
Emmy journeyed with us as we tried to figure out how to raise teenagers. She watched our children leave, and return for visits. She never judged, she just simply loved. It was Emmy who would walk with me and stayed right by my side when I was pregnant 12 years ago. It was also Emmy’s behavior that warned me that something was wrong with the twins in utero. Maybe they are playing with her now in heaven. Her connection to all of us was very deep
Emmy has bonded with human loved ones who have since passed on. Others that watch over her are my mom, my dad, my father-in-law, Chas, our retriever and Kittiana our family cat.
Our lives are still changing. Emmy seemed to embrace and tolerate the hugs of a toddler a new granddaughter, even though Emmy suffered greatly from pain of arthritis and rarely liked to be touched. She seemed to know the importance of this new family member. Emmy understood her role in nurture the pretend babies as the grandchild laid them on Emmy’s bed.
The house feels empty, my journey to and from the studio a little less exciting. But my heart is thankful for the companionship and for the nurturing love of a spirit covered in fur.
Rest in peace, my friend, and thank you. You will be missed.
Back To A Panther Sculpture
I have recently been asked about the possibilities of taking the panther that I created for Prairie View A & M and making it into a smaller version or perhaps even jewelry. Of course the traditional process of sculpting a smaller version of the panther is always possible. But that process means a mold and casting and as a table top version the cost of this process can run a couple thousand dollars. I’m open to exploring other options.
With the melding of digital technology in my traditional sculpture studio optional technology is definitely a possibility that I am curious to explore. If you follow the blog on the Panther Project you know that the original panther design was created in the computer, and enlarged by SNYAPPSYS Digital services in foam. Clay was added to the foam for the final version. It was then put through the traditional mold making process for bronze casting.
This digital process of enlarging expedites my work tremendously. The difficulty is that digital models, as seen in the computer, rarely translate well to real life. There were many modifications that I did on the large panther. As the blog shows, I carved on the foam, accentuated muscles and features so that it would translate well into bronze and in some places even lengthened or added to the figure. I also modified the pose.
So, I’m back to the digital drawing board. I am opening the original file of the panther and comparing it to my traditional bronze piece. My goal will be to do more work on the digital version and experiment with printing it using the 3D printing process.
The program that I am sculpting in is ZBrush. I’m exploring the new features that are available in Zbrush 4R4 that were not available when I created the panther just a year ago. Features like QRemesher that helps me to retopologize the panther, or fix the geometry, so that I can create a better digital sculpture. I’ll report back on how the digital sculpting progresses, as well as how the 3D printing process comes along.
Project blog for the Prairie View Panther can be found at https://prairieviewpanther.blogspot.com/
A Sculpture of Neil Armstrong For Russia
I have been working diligently on this project.
Recently a sculpture of Yuri Gagarin was donated by individals in Russia and placed here in Houston Texas. I was chosen by Sophya Tabarovski of Kindness Without Limits to now create a sculpture of Neil Armstrong that will be sent to Russia. A space has already been dedicated on Russian soil, and is ready to receive this sculpture. I hope to begin the physical sculpture of the project very soon. I have already been working on the digital design in the computer.
There was someone in Russia who wanted to buy the sculpture to be placed, but both Sophya and I felt that since Russia gave us a sculpture of Yuri Gagarin, America should give this gift of Neil Armstrong to Russia. And so, I joining forces with Sophya to target individuals who are interested in making a tax deductible donation to this project.
We have developed a project website called United in Space which lists all of the details and will hold the documentaiton of this project.
There are several donation levels that can be found on the website. I am going to list them below, but please also look at the United in Space website for more details. We have also put video and information about the Gagarin Sculpture on the blog on the United in Space website.
NOTE: If you should know of anyone who might like to cover this story, or if you should know of a business that has a vested interest in relationships between these two countries, we would greatly appreciate you passing this information on to them or drop us a line and let us know.
Donation Levels
Lunar Module- $25,000
Your companies name will be engraved in the sculpture by the artist as part of the art. It will forever reside below the artists name. Your name will be on the accompanying plaque as a donor, and mentioned on our website. You will receive a special gift from the United in Space committee. Only three of these are available.
Command Module- $10,000
Your name will be on the accompanying plaque as a donor to the project, and mentioned on our website. You will receive a special gift from the United in Space committee.
Service Module- $5,000
Your name will be on the accompanying plaque as donor and mentioned on our website.
Under $5,000
Your name will be mentioned on our website.
How To Donate
By Mail
Tax deductible checks can be made out and mailed to
Kindness Without Limits
Please indicate-Neil Armstrong Sculpture in the memo of your check
P.O. Box 320564
Houston, Texas 77282-0564
Read more on the process blog for this project found at http://unitedinspace.com/
I Steal
It is true. I once saw a facebook post that went something like this,
Warning! If you are in my life long enough
I may just write you into my novel.
The idea is simple, we writers are inspired by what is around us.
In 2010 I completed the National Novel Writing Month ( NANOWRIMO). The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. NANOWRIMO is held in the month of November, but they encourage you to take the NANOWRIMO challenge any time. I know it seems impossible to write 50,000 word in one month, but it breaks down to only 1,666 words a day. The goal is to get it on paper, not edit, just purge your thoughts. Some people prepare an outline, others dive right in. There are all sorts of ways to approach NANOWRIMO. I completed NANOWRIMO in 2010 and polished the book and then put it away. I would like to get it published one day, but I relish in the accomplishment of finishing it. When I was done, I gave a very rough draft to my 25 year old daughter to read. She said, “That is my life you are writing about.” I think she felt cheated. Though I do claim ownership, it is part her life, part my life, part make believe. I pulled from what I know. The scenes of things in my head, which just happened to be part of her life. Since I gave birth to her, I suppose I have rights.
WINFIN is Write Nonfiction in November. Same challenge but, in my opinion a bit harder. Writing nonfiction, unless you know the subject very, very well demands research. So writing is more than just writing and vomiting a bunch of words on the page, they have to mean something very substantial to be called nonfiction. I podcasted about NANOWRIMO and WINFIN a few years ago. Give a listen. Again, I write nonfiction because it is from life, my own experiences and interests. I guess I’m stealing from life.
Recently I learned about the PiBoIdMo challenge. PiBoIdMo is Picture Book Idea Month. In this article, “Pre-PiBo Day 5: Kate Dopirak: A Reader. A Writer. A Thief?” by Kate Dopirak I learn that she also steals from her children’s experiences. So, I am not alone here.
I’m extremely interested in PiBoIdMo, you see, I’m a published writer of adult nonfiction, but the novel I created in 2010 for NANOWRIMO was MG/YA (Middle Grade/ Young Adult) I have a tendency to be drawn to literature for younger people. I also have a new source of inspiration that is quickly coming into my life, GRANDCHILDREN!
Just prior to all of these writing challenges came Halloween, which was so much more fun being connected socially. I might not have that great of a social life but my facebook friends sure do. My daughter-in-law posted that her 2 1/2 year old went to the door and said chicken free (trick or treat) & happy Halloween! You should hear here try to sing Bippity, Boppity boo. I’m extremely impressed with my granddaughters made up language, and intrigued at how she evaluates and dissects the world around her. I also have a new born grandson and a granddaughter coming in March. Oh, just think of all that inspiration. I have no doubt that this time in my life, my “watching” of grandchildren will impart a creative spurt in a new direction. I must remind myself “work it grandma, work it.” So, watch out. If we are sitting next to each other at the children’s museum or the park, take note, your children are safe, but I just may steal their dialogue and adventures.
Visiting Cemeteries And Sculptures
Today, while at the Glenwood Cemetery I visited the places that I love the best. I visit Ellie, as I most often do. I realize that this little girl would be nearly 20 now. I never knew her, though each time I do a posthumous sculpture I feel like I do know my subject. Somehow we develop a relationship after death.
And I visit this sculpture created by Harriet Frishmuth. It is interesting because it has the same softness that I feel from the angel that I mentioned in my last post. I have seen other work of art by Harriet Frishmuth such as aspirations in the Forest Lawn cemetery in Buffalo NY. This sculpture is hidden in Glenwood and hard to find, but I always stop and say hello.
Though my other posthumous sculptures are not at this cemetery I think of them as well, and the mothers and fathers who love and miss their little ones. To those who have a similar loss, may you find peace and comfort in the celebration of the lives of these precious little ones. They are still with us.
_______________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Follow me on Facebook
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
My First Inspiration Comes Back
When I first started sculpting nearly 30 years ago I became intrigued with cemeteries. When I travel, I visit them like some choose to visit museums, or historical buildings. When I go to the cemeteries, I gravitate toward certain plots. I visit them as if I knew the individuals buried there. I visit because of the art.
From the moment I entered Glenwood Cemetery, many years ago I fell in love with this sculpture. It is very simple. It does not look like it belongs on the base where it is placed. I remember when I first began sculpting, even before I began creating work for cemeteries I said, “One day I hope to create a sculpture like this, with the same feeling and emotion and peace.” When I would envision my own burial plot, it is this sculpture that I envision on it.
Today a potential client called and told me that she and her mother liked one specific angel in the cemetery. They would really like their sculpture similar to this. I was elated. It was my angel! Though I’m not sure we should call her an angel because she does not have wings.
I don’t know if I will get the commission. I do hope I do, as it will fulfill a deep desire in me that I have held for 30 years, but I think it is nice to know that this sculpture that I have loved has a special place in the heart of others as well. I hope when I am gone, others will feel that way about the work I leave behind.
_______________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.