Photos below and right, The Research: 2002–2004
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PART ONE: THE PREPARATION 2001-2006
Why not design and create a sculpture for Phil that would celebrate his great love of music, his energetic participation in several orchestras and bands across the State and his growing rootedness in the great American Southwest?
The Kokopelli Symbolism and Legend
Ah, what about the prehistoric pied piper, Kokopelli, who roamed the region 1,500 years ago. Celebrated on stone walls and outcroppings across the landscape, this modern icon of the Southwest—a deity, trickster, wandering Casanova, good luck charm, fun-loving, insect-like, musician with a backpack—was always surrounded by abstract figures, animals and humans, all in celebration. This persona of many faces was at once jaunty, comical, dignified, purposeful, and joyful. Playing his flute while standing, walking, sitting, kneeling or reclining, he danced his way across cultural and linguistic boundaries appearing at will and at his own timing from the Alberta mountains to the Mexican desert.
Could this ancient life form of yesterday energize itself into the symbol of a modern day wandering musician who drags along soprano, alto, tenor and baritone Saxophones to every gig—just in case? Could the old festivals of the flute morph into the lively concerts of the Baritone Saxophone, with its light-hearted runs, foundational bass, and humorous honks? Why not?
Stone Selection
Let’s be blunt here.If David can have his marble from the mountain of the Gods in Cararra, Italy, then Philip certainly deserves some Cararra, even if he cannot yet have his Michelangelo. So, off on a family trip (tax deductible for research purposes) to Italy we go! Scouring backyards and stone yard supply depots, and piles of off cut “waste,” we locate just the right piece, at just the right price—albeit, not yet at just the right location. Hence a transport challenge now enters the picture. |
