in the eighth year
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
read more about the beginning of the sculpture series 'in the eighth year'
a note to preface || because of the personal and intimate nature of this piece, permission has been granted by the commissioner for me to share
“What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life–to strength each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?” – George Eliot
In the eighth year of marriage, the traditional anniversary gift is bronze. A few years ago someone reached out for a commission idea of a small bronze for her husband for their upcoming anniversary. We talked about her inspiration for the sculpture, sharing ideas back and forth. For this sculpture, she wanted it to be a small torso of herself, about 6 inches high.
Since we live in completely different cities, I worked from 4 photos she provided of herself in the pose. The completion of the torso in my studio took around 4 to 6 weeks. Once I gained her approval of the commission, I made a wax casting of the sculpture and took it to the foundry. The foundry process takes about 2 to 3 months depending on their schedule. During this time we talked about how the bronze would be patinated and sourced a base for it to be mounted on. The piece became so personal when we were able to source stone from a quarry near where they got engaged in Colorado. I love how the final patina choice complements the stone perfectly.
I love love and this is why I would like to make this into an offering of a gift idea. I want to make it super easy and streamline for anyone to gift their partner a personal 8th year wedding anniversary gift. Since the process from start to finish will be about 6 months, it’s best for this gift to be planned in advance but a gift certificate is always available for a commission such as this. If you are interested in commissioning a bronze as an 8th year anniversary gift for your partner, please reach out.
