Every one has been affected in one way or another by the tragedy of 9/11/00, some obviously more than others have. However, I would like to extend this letter to the global community at large.
Please heed
upon my heart-felt sentiments for whatever the extent of your loss. It
is clear to me that the tragedy of 9/ 11 should never be forgotten and
I applaud any commitment to set a memorial in place to mark the devastation
of this tragic event. I was teaching that day and I remember how hard
it was to maintain my composure and continue my duties throughout the
rest of the day.
I felt so helpless to change things, to make any kind of difference for
the better -to offer any kind of real hope.
Upon following the heroic aftermath of this devastation I found myself profoundly moved by the countless selfless efforts, donations and sacrifices made by so many especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. No doubt you already share my extended sentiments as well toward celebrating and memorializing these noble intentions. So, I too would like to make my own contribution, A symbol of our loss yet a powerful expression -of hope for the future!
From a body of my work that I have dedicated to "The Potential of the Human Spirit" and with the intent of donation toward a permanent home at ground zero or for loan in a secure public environment, I would like to offer my sculpture titled "The Joy of Selflessness". A recently finished 5-½ ft hand built, cast and polished bronze sculpture that temporarily sets on a 2 1/2-ft travertine marble pedestal. This hand finished work of art is almost comparable to the finished quality of jewelry, the result of over three years of my relentless efforts. This is what I do when I am not passionately teaching young people the nature of visual language and the validity of art, fine art and aesthetics 1st -12th grades in one of our many mid west public school districts.
With the same ambition I have acquired my masters' degree in sculpture from Eastern Michigan University and have enthusiastically pursued my own aesthetic, one where I have modeled a voice where bronze expressions of human sensitivity and noble intentions speak. In this forum I work to replace cynicism with optimism to re-establish refinement as something to aspire to.
I believe ground zero to be the new beginning of a unity among people inspired by the heroism of noble behavior, a momentum that I feel compelled to contribute. I see this monument as the combined spiritual energy of all those lost in this tragedy -speaking to us from beyond their demise! You may see more of my work by logging on to www.rllandry.com, Note: That you are personally invited to witness this monument in person if you so desire as I know it to appear much more powerful when viewed live and in person. Please feel free to contact me at:
Landry Fine
Art Studios
1818 E. Lincoln
Royal Oak, MI 48067
web@rllandry.com, or through the
guestbook on my web site www.rllandry.com.
Sincerely,
Robert L.
Landry
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From the Potential of the Human Spirit
I present "The Joy of Selflessness"
This sculpture is a monument to the selfless efforts and deeds made on behalf of the common good. Sacrifices inspired by noble intentions that put the welfare of all before the personal gain of one or the few, contributions toward the harmony of a one truly noble environment.
Everyone needs to be loved, nurtured and understood. Efforts to this effect will come full circle and ultimately benefit everyone. We can all profit from not living in fear from the retaliation of bitterness and feel confident when relying on others.
Visually and aesthetically, the soothing and nurturing qualities of such natural phenomenon as snowdrifts and sand dunes inspire me. Through the warm implications of polished bronze I use these graceful and transitional forms as a tool to express human energy, the warm compassionate side of our nature. By applying centripetal force and inertia principles to a pose that suggests dramatic movement in the human anatomy, I am provided with a forum that enables me to suggest energy as form moving through space so as to appear elegantly carved by the atmosphere. As a result, I am able to express the precious vitality of joy found within the spirit of the human soul.
"The Joy of Selflessness" Environmental Concept
The classical circular Greek amphitheater inspires this environment. My design allows viewers to observe the sculpture from numerous vantage points at two levels surrounding it in its entirety. Up close at higher ground the sculpture becomes more personal when observed closer to eye level, at the lower level outside its parameter the view presents the elevated sculpture as more monumental.
Concerning its movement! Imagine running forward with an open glass of water only to stop very suddenly. The water with no choice but to proceed; follows through with the natural laws of physics as inertia carries the liquid up and out of the side of the glass. Here is where I take my liberties by sculpting the forms of the liquid to fit the needs of my expression.
It is the runway
that suggests the origin of this movement, where the sculpture becomes
an extension of this directional fluidity upon its interruption, as suggested
by the two opposing visual stops standing before its path.
-Robert
L Landry
