Just over two years ago, after 26 years as a full time design professional, I went half time. I had been thinking about "brand" and what the next 25 years should look like, and possibly, the 25 after that, if they perfect that spinal replacement ray. Said reflection and thoughts took in the appropriate level of gratitude for a career that turned out to far exceed what I expected, and for an organization that made it possible. I wanted these thoughts of gratitude, and the notion of not having expectations, to frame my goals moving forward.
When I was recovering from surgery for cancer in 2011, soon after I started this blog, I called it the year of the artist. In the years since, I've been wondering each year if I missed it, because the art experience just keeps on getting better. My role as an Engineer gets sharper. 2014, in fact, could be the year of the artistic engineer.
Enough babbling. More art. And gratitude. My mentor, Ric, curated the Two Wheels and a Motor show at the AMA Motorcyxle Museum; I've got nine paintings and a sculpture in the exhibition. The exhibition is being installed in the National Motorcycle Museum. I've also been working on a couple of commissions. I posted the final for 'Kona Sunset", but here it is again:
This was sold to an old friend, and I hope the good vibes resonate long.
I was asked to sculpt a figure for a good friends, of his daughter. This one is still way too early to share, but I will share the gratitude.
My mentor and fellow bronze sculptor forged a relationship with the Columbus Idea Foundry. I, of course, plan to tag along. I went to their Open House in June, and met the founder of the Fallen Feather project, and I had to be a part of it. Then I find out the feathers are only native Ohio wood. Did I mention I'm a BRONZE sculptor...? LOL, anyway, Graham notified me of an Ohio soldier falling, Justin Helton, and I jumped in.
Step1, get the history of the soldier and await the direction of the muse. After looking at the blank, and finding what I could, I decided on a totem, with the eagle, a baseball, and his company. After finding too many different logos, I went with US Army. His name will wrap the spine of the feather. At this point, I'm hoping the grain of the wood is 'feathery'.
Step 2, remove everything not sculpture: 
Step 3, rinse, repeat, until satisfied:
Then, add his name, sand, and finish. The final sculpture was delivered Sept. 9, for installation in the Ohio Military Museum in Masillon, Ohio: 
I'm absolutely humbled by the sacrifice of our different tribes in service of this country. I'm grateful Fallen Feather Project agreed to allow me to sculpt this. I felt like I was way over my skis throughout the arc of this piece, and I hope it serves.
More kengoodsonart to come. Peace.
