Defying the Wind – Magpies
This visually expressive mixed media sculpture, explores boundaries, both in society and in our mind. It has Ken Newman’s typical single piece of wood component (oak) combined with an antique wheel hub, an old sign post and metal sign, barb wire, and a metal fence post, which are mounted on carved statuary marble. All combined, create a societal statement as well as highlighting the beauty of nature.
Defying the Wind–URI Boundaries poses the Magpie strategically perched on one foot while holding barb wire in the other, its tail blown up and cast off balance by a gust of wind. In society, the winds of change are determined or swayed by knowledge, technology, research or profit. The magpie once had a bounty, considered a nuisance bird by people. Now protected, the winds change, the birds purpose in nature is better understood by society. Just like the wind, our attitudes change depending on the wind’s direction. The white in the magpie is removed throughout the wood sculpture, representing the unique patterning of the magpie as it is seen especially in the snow, the white of the bird disappears.
My current work includes bronze – wildlife and figurative. But my sculpting passion began working in raw forms of wood – and continue as time permits.