richards poey

   

TATTOOED GYMNAST

Edition Size: Unique Piece
Material: BAlabaster on Bronze Base
Size: 30"h x 9"w x 9"d

This Botero-like figure seemed to emerge by itself from the stone. Originally, I had intended to make the figure thinner and more athletic, but I stopped when I saw how interesting the character was as a bulky person. Initially, too, I had hoped that I wouldn't have to carve out the space between the arms and legs. But the negative space really adds to the piece. Interestingly, some people think the figure is male, others female. No matter. The concept of the "tattoo" comes directly from the stone. Note how the gray coloring on the left shoulder and back adds a decorative tattoo to the figure.