As in all my work, "Empty Nest" has significant personal meaning. If there is a sense of whimsy and spontaneity in this work, that was the goal from concept to construction. To communicate a sober emotion with a humorous dimension was deliberate. When other can perceive some of the psychological dimension that is part of the conception and fabrication of my sculptures, then I am successful. Whether immersed in clay, sweating over a welding torch, or laboring over grinders and polishers, immense pleasure is derived. Someone once asked Eric little why he ran. His reply describes well why I sculpt, "...because when I do, I feel His joy". Empty Nest was my catharsis while watching my children grow up and leave home. Knowing that the impulse to hold on too tightly to them was counter-productive. I reminded myself of the things that would keep them safe. The big gnarled feet of the three figures are a metaphor of a Psalm, "like roots firmly planted by streams of water", to visualize fundamental of growth & liberation the subjects emerge from the feet interwined to represent the defferent people I had to be for each child the subtle variation in color suggests those characteristic relationships Ghostly, misshapen and wizened, the forms stretch skyward in branch-like ascension - reminder to decrease in direct influence in their lives except in spirit. Humorous proportion denote the impossiblity of taking oneself too seriously in deference to a mother's value which must transcend classical definition of comeliness. Their faded, sagging and sinwey appearance is not congruent with societal standards of beauty. Elongated necks, outstreched hands and puckering lips are meant to communicate the unconditional love that follows her children wherever they go. Wildly unihibited, hair tapers heavenward like a mother's prayer. They envelope her children in confidence and hope. From feet to heads, bony elbows to fly away tresses, there is no dread in demeanor - only an assurance that enables a kind of reckless abandon in releasing her children to grow.

I. Deely
1997

EMPTY NEST

Welded Steel Cast Resin 4' x 7' x 2' Back to Fine Art