Welcome
14 in / 36 cm
A sovereign is returning to his kingdom after a long absence. His jester can hardly contain his joy.
Everything in this sculpture evokes the joy of a homecoming, the warm of a welcome. The jester is bowing. Every part of his body is involved in his deep reverence to the newly arrived ruler. One hand is bent in salute while the other is waving a hat. His left leg is poised mid-air, foot flexed, and with the right leg in a pose of exaggerated reverence, even his buttocks seem to be prostrated. In his agitation, he is losing his gloves. But throughout, there is no hint of submission. The Welcome Back figure looks us in the eye, his open face beaming. The road is clear, all is perfect!
Anecdote
I often notice that regardless of culture, social standing or education, people are touched when they see certain pieces, as though they all recognize the world I visit. That is why I wanted the sculpture at the entrance to an exhibition to convey a heartfelt message, welcoming the guests to their kingdom!
At times, I see people renew contact with some long-lost part of themselves, simply by allowing the emotion in a piece to guide them.
Treatment
Colourful bronze (14in/36cm). The patina alone requires more than a week of work. The patina on the clothes is applied hot; splashes onto a neighbouring square are not uncommon. The work is often finished using a toothpick for a paintbrush. Once the coloring has been completed, all the cords and bells are repolished.
Series of ten and two artist’s proofs.
