Currieworks Fine Art

BE STILL (relief)

john — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 13:45:01 +0000

My mother was a woman of a great and simple faith. This Bible verse, Psalm 46:10, was one of her favorites: “Be still and know that I am God.” Throughout her life, and the many storms that roiled the seas in it, she kept her heart centered on God, trusting Him, knowing that His love was steadfast and constant, that His presence was unwavering.

When I was in high school, for a calligraphy project in art class, I painted it on a small piece of slate for my mother. It sat on her kitchen window ledge for years, accompanying her through many moves and resting on nearly a dozen different window ledges, quietly reminding her of God’s faithfulness and gently calling her to hers. When she died, I was given it back; now it sits in my kitchen where I can see it every day.

I created this piece in memory of her. It was built from three thick layers of wax sheet, laid one upon the other, with the negative spaces then carved out and peeled away. The lettering was created the same way. Then it was hand-cast in bronze, and a hand-cut sheet of amber mica was affixed to the back of each side. The patina is built up in many layers, sealed with special lacquer, and then hand waxed and buffed.

The original hangs in our home. Every day, I am reminded of the need to be quiet, to reflect and trust in God’s presence. I have kept that painted piece of slate to remind me, too; this is for you.

This same design has been created as a four-sided lantern, also viewable on this site.

Bronze, 28″ W x 11″ H x 1″ D, 28 lbs.

Only by His Grace

john — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:18:42 +0000

This bronze relief was inspired by a graphic I created as part of a larger commission for a church. It was for a Christmas concert of orchestral and choral music accompanied by readings, all of which painted the birth of Christ as a promise foretold, an event leading up to His death on the cross. Only by His death and sacrifice can we be saved. Only by His grace.

Bronze 8” x 9” x 3/4”

Golden Aspens

john — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:57:53 +0000

This relief was inspired by a one of my plein air paintings of a stand of aspen trees in the foothills of the Rockies. As in the painting, I have reduced the elements to their geometric essence, creating a study in line and form accented with color. The original was created by carving the design in reverse in a block of sandstone and then pouring hot, molten bronze into it the void I had created. This edition was cast from a mold made of that original sculpture.

Bronze 17-1/2” x 5-1/2” x 3/4”