Project : Professor Bell- 200 consecutive terms teaching
Kettering University
Flint, Mi. U.S.A.
Overview
Kettering University Chose to honor Professor Bell with a Bronze bust in his likeness. Professor Bell has taught 200 Consecutive terms- 50 Years and is still teaching. He is a remarkable man adored by students and staff alike, he is known for his role as mentor. The unveiling was proposed to occur during the 2013 homecoming and alumni week.
Goals
The University began a large renovation project to coincide with the celebration. With Interior designers/ builders, electricians and craftsman woodworker's on staff, they planned to re- design the lounge, cafe, and game room near Professor Bell's classroom. Enlivening the space with a contemporary fun feel. Kettering felt it important to display the bust respectfully but also wanted it to be accessible to the students. An alumni told me "Professor Bell will bring any one luck who even stands near to him". So a new tradition of rubbing the bronze shoulder of Professor Bell has emerged.
Process
I adhered to a tight deadline schedule to make sure they could comfortably prepare for the installation of the bust. Working as a consultant/ collaborator with their woodworker,we shared and perfected a concept for the plinth/ base, which was beautifully built. Also I worked closely with the builder who requested input on the choice of wall built for the niche, behind the bust. Through collaboration we fostered the idea of a backlit translucent wall in an oval shape to echo the oval of the plinth and also the curves of the new ceiling and curves of the new light fixtures. Consisely intergrating the art into the space.
Additional Info
On a personal note; this was one of those times when creating a bronze bust has enriched the sculptor, myself, in ways beyond measure. To depict an individual who I have come to admire for his intellect, fun and at times silly personality. A role model and mentor to alumni students, who now work for fortune 500 companies, and future students. Profesor Bell is truly worthy of bronze.
The Violinist- Bert Smith Memorial Garden- Flint Institute of Music
Overview
Commissioned in honor of Bert Smith, a floral designer who created enchanting, environments for numerous Seasons of Symphony Galas and Musical Events sponsored by Flint Institute of Music. The commissioning body selected this concept; to depict a student violinist as a representation of all students towards the pinnacle of their studies at FIM as they prepare to enter the world of accomplished musicians. In addition, the garden and Bronze sculpture would serve as a inviting and peaceful place for students, and adults to reflect and be inspired.
Goals
The Primary goal was to honor Bert Smith with a memorial flower garden, an inviting space for pedestrians, students and families. The secondary goal was to create a focal point within the garden space that would serve the identity of Flint Institute of Music when viewed from Kearsley Street.
Process
The commission was to be representative of a student of a relatively accomplished age level, but not depict a particular student. The student was to stand in a proper stance holding the violin in the correct position. In order to achieve this we had 2 different students volunteer as models. This enabled me to get the correct angles of the position of the hand and the tilt of the head, and the width of the stance. Since this is a school for music, I felt it important that the finished bronze sculpture should correctly depict an actual position that would be shown to play a specific note. This was also a challenge as the violin was sculpted separately from the figure and the bow was fabricated separately as well.
Chapel of Angels
Overview
Sunset Hills Cemeteries and Mausoleums, Flint, Mi. were preparing to build a new structure on their grounds. The founders in the 1920's had built an architecturally beautiful Mausoleum with a limestone carved exterior, which was approaching capacity. The owners had many contemporary ideas they wished to implement and they took great care to work with leading architects to plan the new building. A plan was initiated for a 17,200 Square foot T-Shaped Structure, with clerestory windows to admit natural sunlight to the interior space.
Goals
The structure was perceived as a light filled, structure of grand but comforting scale. The owners, followed the example of their ancestors in taking great care and responsibility for the cemetery. As way of showing their pride in their community as well as reinvesting in the same community, they commission high quality local artists and craftsmen whenever possible.
Process
There was a wonderful symbiotic relationship amongst the board members, architects, interior designers, floral designers, stone masons, craftsmen, landscapers and workers. Everyone was excited by the innovation and by the individual abilities each contributed to the team. The new building would have Italian marble walls & floors, Glass mosaic scenes on the interior walls, granite exterior walls and limestone panels of carved bas relief angels. While walking the grounds, I was impressed by all the natural beauty and noticed wedding parties posed by professional photographers on the hillsides of overflowing flowers and mature trees. The owners wanted youthful somewhat modern angels with uplifted, thoughtful expressions, which I agreed was fitting. I laid out the maquette of the first angel. Inspired, I incorporated a bouquet of lilies to symbolize spring, suggesting that each of the four angels could represent the four seasons. I awaited their response. To everyones delight the concept reinforced the theme of nature and seasons which they had chosen to appear in the landscape mosaics on the interior walls.
Additional Info
The new building was to be called Sunrise Mausoleum, however the following statement appears on their literature; The Chapel of Angels name was inspired by the four original stone angels gracing the exterior. Each of these Angels carries flowers representing one of four seasons. Evidence that a good team full of artistic ideas can transform emotions and thoughts in addition to changing perceptions of visual spaces.
Bronze Sculpture Bust of Maestro Enrique Diemecke - Conductor- Flint Symphony Orchestra- Flint Institute of Music_ Sculptor, Suzanne Johnson
Left-Sculptor, Suzanne Johnson, Middle-Patron- William Hentgen- Right-Maestro Enrique Diemecke- Far Right- Presentation of the Commissioned Bronze Bust of the Maestro