Close-up of subject
- Mr. Finnegan reposes. ceramic sculpture portrait, 2009.
What’s the purpose of art? To decorate? To inform? To give meaning? Sometimes all three. This artwork was commissioned as a way of honoring and remembering a great dog. This client came brought in her beloved dog, Mr. Finnegan on the day the commission was initiated. Mr. Finnegan was ailing, and his owners had informed me he did not have much time left. Since he had been brought into the studio, I thought it would be great if we could get an imprint of his paw, I was sure I could incorporate it somehow into the piece. The client took home a few small slabs of clay, and the next day brought back the imprints, along with some sad news that Mr. Finnegan had passed away during the night. This imprint became a pillow in the piece, and gave even more meaning to a loving companion who brought so much love and light to his owners.