Monday, October 08, 2012

Halloween Countdown: 23 Days!

William makes faux tombstones. They are works of art with a reverent nod to history, and All Hallo's Eve. He has been working on these grave markers since last year. He's done a lot of research... for historic accuracy and also to learn the best techniques, in carving, and painting, and to determine the best materials. I cannot say enough about how much care and attention goes in to each and every piece.

This is one of the first ones he carved. This was done free hand, using construction foam. He likes to model his designs inspired by genuine graveyard motifs of the 18th century.

Rebekah and I followed William into the carport to see the faux column he is constructing, and when I realized my cousin hadn't seen what William has been doing, I asked William to show her his art.

I can write about how impressed and proud of his work I am, but what I really want is for him to take over, here, and explain his thought process, his methods, the challenges, the successes. It's been a long labor of love, and he has a diligence and determination to adhere to high standards. It makes me reluctant to even try and describe what he is achieving, because I know I won't get it quite right.

Ask him! Anything. Do you have a question about his choices, or how he gets them to look the way they do? They are unfinished. He has more plans for aging them. I am hoping that he will write a post and answer our questions, because I would love to have his thoughts recorded, here.

He's made a lot of them... gravestones, markers, foot markers, headstones... each unique, each nearly completed.

This is the one we came out to see, specifically. He asked me to photograph it before he paints it.

The foam pieces are hand cut, and then were glued onto the concrete tube form. The cheap vase was a thrift shop score.

Do you know about Ouroboros, the ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail?

It might be hard for William to find time to write a post for me... he wants these finished as soon as possible. We want to spook up the garden for Halloween.

He's working very hard.

I promise to keep you posted on his progress!

10 comments:

warren said...

Holy cats! That's awesome!!!

kim sherrod said...

Can't wait to see them in the garden! Spooktacular!

Anonymous said...

They are very realistic looking. Can't wait to see your garden. Tutu

Oiyi said...

Wow, I am amazed at this body of work he is creating. Excellent! I remember working with that material in art school when I was studying industrial design. We always used it for model making.

zan said...

Speaking of 2,222 posts, read this:

http://www.intuitivejournal.com/spiritual-meaning-of-222/

Sounds like someone is trying to communicate with you. It's all good.

judy in ky said...

William is awesome, Natalie. So creative and capable.

Jennifer said...

Incredible! I'm most interested in knowing when he's going start selling these; they are gorgeous. We have lots and lots of graveyards in this area, including right in Boston, with headstones from as far back as headstones go in this country -- you know, if you all wanted to head out for a research trip.... I'd also really like to hear about his inspiration, about what makes him decide to choose a particular style, whether he is duplicating real names and dates and therefore bringing the personal history, as well as the art history, forward.

Beckie said...

I will take fiendish delight in seeing pics of your yard!!!! Great job William!

Dallas said...

These are so cool! I want to come trick-or-treating at your house. I hope you'll post a photo of them all on display when they're done.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

These comments are dear to me.
Thank you for all the feedback and encouragement.
You all are awesome!