History in the "Making"
Trying my hand at Sculpture
A few years ago, friends were visiting, and I asked what they would like to do while here. One said he would like to visit the Belleview Biltmore . Turns out his grandmother once owned the historic hotel. We got an extra special tour of the place, complete with all the hiding places a little boy would love in an old interesting building.
The Belleview Biltmore, now the Belleview Inn, was a historic hotel located in Belleair, Florida (near Clearwater). At one time it was said to be the largest occupied wooden structure in the world. Since my friends’ visit, most of the hotel has been torn down to make way for a smaller boutique hotel.
You can imagine my excitement when fellow St. Pete ArtWorks artist, John “Savelli” Richardson gave me a piece of the old copper roof. It was colorful with the patina of weather and years. It was shaped beautifully. I thought it made a great piece of art on its own, but when I got the opportunity to make sculpture for the upcoming show with Judy Vienneau, “Role Reversal”, I decided to give it my own spin.
While keeping the shape and color, I cut the copper into strips and wove it with pieces of recycled aluminum flashing and riveted with copper tacks. Then I used fine wire to stitch a piece of recycled wire screening to the back. It’s a part of a series of “Quilts” I have made from layers of unconventional materials.
In the show there is also jewelry by Judy Vienneau made from her own piece of Biltmore copper roofing. “Role Reversal” is on view now through November 15 at St. Pete ArtWorks and online. You can see us at the closing reception November 14 from 5 to 8 pm.
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