Saturday, May 1, 2010

More than a Statue...

Today is the first day of the month which means it's Theme Day for participating City Daily Photo bloggers. This month's theme is Statues.

Created by artist Michael Stutz, the 10 foot bronze sculpture at Mission Station is called "Astride-Aside."

“The daily ebb and flow of life reveals a drama accentuated in my work," Stutz explained in a statement at the work's 2003 installation. "Using organic forms, I explore the dichotomies between permanent and impermanent, public and private, external and internal, to create an intimate and humane ideal. Light plays through the latticed forms of the woven sculptures, blending line, movement, time and the body. Focused, hand-wrought, craftsmanship reveals a yielding openness that invites viewer interaction.”

Viewer interaction? You bet! These two girls couldn't help but interact with the piece at last year's ArtsFest. It's a great example of how public art can be both inspirational and accessible.

Learn more about Astride-Aside here, and read a detailed history of its creation here. For more statues from around the world, check out my fellow bloggers' interpretations of today's theme. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

16 comments:

Birdman said...

Hilarious image... is that humor or fear on her face? Maybe a bit of both.

Lachezar said...

Very beautiful and fun! Great shot and great choice for theme day!

Hilda said...

Heehee! Oh I love this image, Laurie! A fun and sweet choice for the theme.

lv2scpbk said...

That looks like a fun post. My husband and I pose like the statues too when we go somewhere. Fun!

My blog is here Barb's Blog Hope you can take a look. Happy theme day!

GratefulTwinMom said...

A quintessential icon for South Pas. Wonderful choice! I love the juxtaposition of the colors of the statues and the girls.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

truly super shot. very creative and the spontaneity of getting the young girl was great

Judy Williams said...

With them playing on the statue, they can't help but mimic his sense of movement an line. VERY COOL!!!

ben wideman said...

Excellent choice, Laurie. I especially like how you captured the image just as the girl was looking back.

Anonymous said...

Reflecting but opposing his stride and pressing against his leg, the girls look like they're trying to slow him down; maybe the one's looking to recruit help.

Jilly said...

How fabulous, Laurie. I love the energy of this piece and of course also that the children got stuck in. Great!

Rob Siemann said...

Very excellent shot! Well done!

Mike said...

I really like this sculpture. It is just right for the Mission train stop. Excellent catch of the little girls, Laurie. How do you manage to alwasy be in the right spot at the right time?

pasadenapio said...

That fella looks to be in a big hurry! Good thing those girls are holding him back a bit. Life is short...

Laurie Allee said...

Thanks so much, everyone!

Babzy.B said...

Excellent capture , well spotted :)

Laurie Allee said...

Thanks, Babzy!