PIQUE A TERRE VIII
1999, bronze / granite 41"h x59"w x31'd
available
_________________
more related info:
This small charcoal drawings is of the sculpture PIQUE A TERRE VI (illustrated
on the cover of my book "Bones of the Earth -Spirit of the Land") and reflects
the movement and sweeping gesture of classical ballet. The below excerpt from
an artist interview that further explains the association.
PIQUE VI (black) , 1997, charcoal on paper, 15"h x20"w
"Some more recent pieces refer to movement of the figure, particularly the
Juggler and Pique à Terre series. Pique à terre is a term from
classical French ballet for a pose with one toe touching the ground, the other
foot firmly planted, and a sweeping arm gesture. Once you are aware of the
title, when you see the piece the connection is clear. I am in a sense choreographing
these works, getting a heavy weight off the ground and making it dance—taking
what is often seen as a negative, the fact that stone is damn heavy and a
big hassle to move around, and turning it into a positive. It is this transition
that helps give theses pieces their magic"*.
*from : Bones of the
Earth, Spirit of the Land. The Sculpture of John Van Alstine