Why Bronze and stone?

Three years ago, when my son went off to college, I entered Grossmont Community College as an evening sculpture student. I thought I would be learning how to do sculpture in wood, ceramics, or plaster. I went to campus to look for class imagining it would be in a huge room filled with various art projects of other students. I could not find the classroom and was eventually directed to a small building that looked like a garage. When I entered, I found a room with large tables and with huge power tools lining the walls. Smaller power tools peeked out of every nook and cranny. The "yard" outside the class room had all kinds of metal, some rusted and worn, laying around, more large power tools and a 20 foot tall crane mounted on wheels. It was quite intimidating and as the instructor spoke I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. It quickly became clear that the class involved construction of bronze sculptures.

The instructor outlined the rules of the class, the tools we would need and showed some slides of his work and the work of other local sculptors. Despite my misgivings, it sounded like fun. By the second week of classes, I decided to stick around. That was three years ago. I am now hooked. I thoroughly enjoy the art. The instructor is amazing. . . so knowledgeable and kind. The other students are delightful. I love seeing their work and getting to know these folks of all ages and sensibilities. We help each other every day in class. Some of my projects could not have been completed without the help of my fellow students.

This blog is about bronze and stone, what I have learned, why I do it and the people who have helped me.