Mateo in Morning Light.
As with living humans, that light can show nakedly the signs and emblems of age.
I think I did a fair job of capturing some of me at fifty, though in other ways this piece is a younger me and/or not me quite at all. (If that's confusing, that's the Gemini coming through.)
Piece sculpted in a Self-Portrait Class: Summer 2011.
I've posted shots of this figure in the past on this blog.
Hit the "Mateo" label-link below to see the other shots and commentary, if you'd like.
Mateo as Hoplite / Greek Warrior.
I use the helmet as a visual aid, seriously and/or humorously, when teaching Homer's epics or any of the Greek tragedies.
Mateo: Free Diver.
That's an old mask from the '80s. Note the side ports for greater range of vision while diving.
This particular mask I picked up and gave to my father to encourage him to swim laps. He didn't like the feel of standard swim goggles, so I suggested such a mask. When he didn't pick one up for himself, I made a gift of this one. I don't think he ever used it more than once or twice, at best.
Mateo: sculpture mix; denim glazing, poured over and mostly wiped off.
For the record, I'm not crazy about the end results here, but making this piece -- the largest single clay piece I've ever made -- has taught me much, not least about envisioning outcomes and artistic control. The pallor is slightly disturbing, and the shininess of the blue seems just a bit too much. I am not sure what I had expected or imagined when I glazed the piece. And yet, Mateo strikes me as a very undersea fellow, as a merfolk stand-in, which seems quite suitable too.
