WP3: Analysis Part 2

In my most recent visit to my sculpture, I analyzed the material in which sculpture is made of. I had never really thought about the material of my sculpture, which is bronze, in any other way other than just what it was made of.

Bronze is a very strong, hard metal. It is interesting to compare the material the sculpture is made of to the actual form of the sculpture. My sculpture is a very “soft” form in the way it is presented. The bed looks soft and plushy by the way the bodies are “sunk” into it and the way the blankets and pillows crease. However, upon the touch of the “bed” it is hard and stiff. This sculpture gives the impression of reality, but it preserved by the bronze of the metal.

It is also interesting how the reality of the sculpture had its effect on me. My last visit I focused a lot of just trying to connect with my sculpture on more of a personal level, to help deepen understanding. Upon looking at the old, deceased woman I just kind of reached out and touched her fragile, veiny hand. It was really cold. For someone like me who has an experience of losing a loved one, this instantly struck up memories. It was like the chill of death I felt when I touched my grandfather’s hand in the hospital the day he died. This was the first true sympathetic emotion I felt with my sculpture.

The bronze that is used for this sculpture is much different than the material that was used in the original Pieta by Michelangelo. Even though marble was used in the original, both versions have similarities in the way the subjects look and the emotions that are felt. Along with the difference in material, the construction of these sculptures differs as well. The original Pieta was made of solid material. My sculpture, when looking underneath, looks as if it was constructed first with some form of molding material and not out of solid bronze. The molding looks to have then been coated in a bronze material thereafter. This gives the impression from the front/top portion of the status of it being pure, solid bronze. But it isn’t! I found this very interesting. I feel that this was needed (the bronze coating) to help preserve the sculpture for outside conditions such as where it is.

I plan on including the material in which this sculpture is made of in my letter; I feel it’s very important. It’s preserving a moment in time.