Robert the Bruce

Robert the Bruce: by Benjamin Victor

1.  Realistic
b)  Epic
c)  Templar
d)  Expensive
e)  Majestic

2.  The best part about this sculpture is its realism and the materials used.  Working with metal is no easy task and I have a great appreciation for those patient enough to make tedious pieces like these.  I am not a fan of abstract art, so this piece is exactly what I believe should truly be called "art".

3.  One small thing that bothers me, but could not likely be changed, is that the figure is so unrecognizable until you read the name.  Perhaps its just me, but I instantly thought it was a templar of the Crusades.  I am uncertain how his identity could be more clear, but the piece is magnificent no matter who you think it is at first glance.

4.  Being a former art major, there are not many pieces that I would not welcome in my home, but isn't one of them.  "Robert the Bruce" is amazingly detailed and it would be an honor to have.  It would be the diamond of my collection in all its detailed glory.

5.  As discussed in class, this statue is about the former king of Scotland and the war for its independence  from England.  Though Scotland won, the king was lost to battle and this statue is tribute to his bravery.  The sculpture seems to almost be turning on the viewer, with the king ready to through his axe at those watching.

6.  The front is definitely this statue's strong point.  There is significant detail in the entire piece, but it is mainly focused toward the front.  The natural lighting really picks up the materials and makes the statues really shine, giving it an ageless feel.

7.  This statue is primarily rounded and geometric shapes that are highly detailed.  There are raised emblems on the cloth and shield of the statue and even chain mail texturing on the armor.  Most of the statue is smooth while being accented by small patterns here and there.  This statue is a concrete representation of its subject, Robert the Bruce.

Iron Fish

Iron Fish: by Robert Bruce


1.  Rough
b)  Rusty
c)  Oriental
d)  Animated
e)  Weather-resistant

2.  The abstract qualities of this fish are really amazing.  Even with just the outlines there is so much personality here.  This fish feels almost like a japanese watercolor fish.  The metals really bring out the fierce nature of the fish and give it a more animalistic vibe.

3.  There is not much I do not like about this fish, but if I had to be picky, it would be the rusty metal.  I do not mind the quality of it so much as the durability.  It saddens me greatly to think that this piece will wear away because of the choice of materials by the artist.  Art should be around forever, and this piece is just not made to last.

4.  I would definitely display this somewhere outside my house.  Outside only because I feel as though the rusty fish would make a mess indoors and my cats would likely love it just a little too much.  However I love its japanese feel too much to not keep it somewhere around my house.

5.  This statue represents a fish, inspired from a fishing trip he took in Idaho.  The artist fished up some steelhead trout, so he must have decided to make a trout out of steel!  The sculpture has limited motion but does have the look of swimming through the air.

6.  "Iron Fish" is visually strong from all sides.  Being a fish made of steel it has no real focusing point, the ornate steel work is ever-present and prevents the eye from settling.  Lighting has no effect on this fish, however I imagine it would be amazing if it was glow in the dark!

7.  The fish is primarily composed of round and angular shapes.  It is highly detailed and yet such a simple outline of a fish.  Rusted iron gives the fish a rough and bumpy texture, and that overall orange color.  When compared to actual fish, it is obviously very abstract.

Wings

Wings: by Felix Velez

1. Mythical

b) Realistic

c) Smooth

d) Haunting

e) Literal

2.  The mythological aspect of "Wings" is the most intriguing part about it.  It is a flawless representation of the story of Icarus; the boy with wings made of wax who flew too close to the sun.  Icarus died when his wings melted and he plummeted into the ocean. The eyes of this statues are blank and lifeless, as if this were his corpse (or perhaps spirit) dredged up from the ocean floor.  Icarus looks to be reaching out for help in this statue, which brings a sense of unease and eeriness to the viewer.

3.  There is a large lack of detail in the wings of the piece that detract from the overall realistic feel.  Even though Icarus' wings were made of wax, that gives no excuse to slack on details.  More feathers would have given the wings a little more realism and I would have enjoyed the piece more so.

4.  Most definitely I would buy "Wings" to display in or outside my home.  I enjoy the greek and roman sculptures very much and this sculpture captures many of those distinct qualities fairly well.  On another note, I also appreciate mythology tremendously and would enjoy a sculpture of any piece having to do with it.

5.  As described above the statue (in my opinion) represents the story of Icarus.  The story of Icarus teaches us to not reach beyond our means, and listen to the wisdom of those more knowledgable.  "Wings" has Icarus reaching out to viewers from atop his perch on a sphere.

6.  "Wings" is a mainly frontal piece, with not much to be said for the back.  A stronger representation of the harness for the wings is present from the back, but not much else besides a well shaped human figure.  Visually the statue is most engaging from the front, but to those with appreciation for realistic representation of the human body it can be amazing from all sides.  The natural lighting gives the statue an eerie glow, as if it is the spirit of Icarus himself.  The stone appears to have been carved, but I cannot say for certain.

7.  This sculpture is very realistic in its human form, primarily round and simple.  There is great detail in his face and hair, while very little in the wings or globe he is standing on.  This piece could almost be in a fountain it is smooth as a water worn stone.