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Description
This was the reference photo for my work of art, this photo is of a gargoyle from the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven MA. This was my submission for the Art of Fairhaven fine art contest. Frank C. Grace was honored to hear that an I wanted to recreate it out of leather.

Out of the many talented artists who submitted incredible works my work was given the award of first place.

Memorial to a Memorial

Fairhaven has had such a diverse and historical past, there are so many incredible buildings with so many beautiful works of art. When I heard about the Art of Fairhaven Past, Present, Future contest, I was excited to be given the opportunity to be part of its history. There is one structure from Fairhaven's past that lingers in my mind, the Unitarian Memorial Church. There is also one image from that structure that has always stood out to me, literally. The Memorial Church is one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the entire area. Surrounding this entire structure are the ancient protectors of the church, their duty through the ages has always been to ward off any unwelcome spirits and keep the church from harm. Vigilant for over a century, these beasts seem to be fulfilling their duty.

I thought to myself how great it would be to recreate one of those unique and fierce gargoyles. I was then able to locate a photo taken by a very talented local photographer, Frank C. Grace. Frank is an amazing photographer from the area that I happened to stumble across while searching for my inspiration. His images bring out, not only the color, but the detail from many of Fairhaven's historical landmarks. Thanks to his unique perspective and his eye for photography, I was able to find an angle for the foundation of my work.

The photograph that was taken shows all of the minute details in both the church and the gargoyle itself. It was my decision to incorporate the use of leather in this representation of the gothic style gargoyle. I knew that by using leather, I could carve the details from the stone into my piece. It was also a goal of mine that the piece itself, jump out at the viewer. I was able to achieve this illusion by reconstructing my elements in stages and layers. Each stage of the leather had to maintain a certain set of requirements in order to fulfill my overall vision.

After thirty-four hours of cutting, carving, punching, dying, painting, and riveting, my vision was complete. This project was as much a journey for me as it was the journey for my Art. This Art has traveled from the craftsmanship of a mason on the beautiful Unitarian Memorial Church, to the eye of an amazing photographer and from the photograph of a gargoyle, to the imagination of an Artist. The result of this Artists imagination became the inspiration behind my work. I can't help but be reminded of a personal motto of mine. This motto is one that I can recall passing along to others hundreds of times, "Inspiration is Contagious." It is one of the only things in life that never ages. This opportunity for me was truly a memorial to a memorial.

Description
This was the reference photo for my work of art, this photo is of a gargoyle from the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven MA. This was my submission for the Art of Fairhaven fine art contest. Frank C. Grace was honored to hear that an I wanted to recreate it out of leather.

Out of the many talented artists who submitted incredible works my work was given the award of first place.

Memorial to a Memorial

Fairhaven has had such a diverse and historical past, there are so many incredible buildings with so many beautiful works of art. When I heard about the Art of Fairhaven Past, Present, Future contest, I was excited to be given the opportunity to be part of its history. There is one structure from Fairhaven's past that lingers in my mind, the Unitarian Memorial Church. There is also one image from that structure that has always stood out to me, literally. The Memorial Church is one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the entire area. Surrounding this entire structure are the ancient protectors of the church, their duty through the ages has always been to ward off any unwelcome spirits and keep the church from harm. Vigilant for over a century, these beasts seem to be fulfilling their duty.

I thought to myself how great it would be to recreate one of those unique and fierce gargoyles. I was then able to locate a photo taken by a very talented local photographer, Frank C. Grace. Frank is an amazing photographer from the area that I happened to stumble across while searching for my inspiration. His images bring out, not only the color, but the detail from many of Fairhaven's historical landmarks. Thanks to his unique perspective and his eye for photography, I was able to find an angle for the foundation of my work.

The photograph that was taken shows all of the minute details in both the church and the gargoyle itself. It was my decision to incorporate the use of leather in this representation of the gothic style gargoyle. I knew that by using leather, I could carve the details from the stone into my piece. It was also a goal of mine that the piece itself, jump out at the viewer. I was able to achieve this illusion by reconstructing my elements in stages and layers. Each stage of the leather had to maintain a certain set of requirements in order to fulfill my overall vision.

After thirty-four hours of cutting, carving, punching, dying, painting, and riveting, my vision was complete. This project was as much a journey for me as it was the journey for my Art. This Art has traveled from the craftsmanship of a mason on the beautiful Unitarian Memorial Church, to the eye of an amazing photographer and from the photograph of a gargoyle, to the imagination of an Artist. The result of this Artists imagination became the inspiration behind my work. I can't help but be reminded of a personal motto of mine. This motto is one that I can recall passing along to others hundreds of times, "Inspiration is Contagious." It is one of the only things in life that never ages. This opportunity for me was truly a memorial to a memorial.