Apollo & Dionysus

I played around with the relationship between the two pieces because that is, of course what the whole point is with the two brothers, Apollo and Dionysus.

The stones were exhibited like this at the Dalhousie building during The Humanities Postgraduate Conference.

The inspiration behind this sculpture is Nietzsche’s ‘The Birth Of Tragedy’, a reading in my Philosophy module. The duality of Apollo and Dionysus as suggested by Nietzsche within Greek culture compelled me to produce a sculpture that embraced that nature. The Apollonian character, known for form and structure is in opposition to the Dionysian chaos and passion. Although it is the tension that holds the two in balance which most interests me. Balance is the key to being able to live in this world and Nietzsche believed that the ideal person was one who was able to maintain this stability by using qualities from the opposites that are part of human nature.

Sandstone and soapstone are the two materials chosen and I have used them because of their diverse textural and visual qualities. The beginning of a sculpture is visually chaotic as there is no apparent direction or structure to the work, there is a constant refining before a form begins to take shape, where I am using control to enable the structure to appear. I prefer to use hand tools when carving, because then, the act of sculpting involves me in a dialogue with the stone and I feel a kind of transcendence from the here and now.

On their own, the two pieces are unsteady but it is when they join and accept the other half when balance occurs.

Day 27 or last day

So, it's finally arrived, our last day. Well kind of because tomorrow we fly out but not until the evening so we get a wee wander around town for the medieval festival tomorrow too.
Today, it's off to pick up our glass, choose the mask we want to take home and say our goodbyes.
Off we trotted down to the pink house and I wish I'd worn shoes because my toes were cold, not liking that.
Photographed the paintings on the right side.

House pic

coloured pic

Here they are, drying out. We had to take them back to the flat which was interesting, walking back with two pieces of glass that couldn't be held properly because of the paint. Successful though.



Time to tidy up flat and start packing. Really hoping everything is going to fit. I have lots of breakable things but lots of bubble wrap.

A chilled out afternoon, partly waiting on the owner to visit with people to view the flat but no-one arrived, quite glad as I had a wee afternoon nap.

Off into town, to the Weinkeller, a lovely little restaurant (very romantic-but not that important to us), and we had a wonderful meal, wine and lots of chat. Ioana joined us for the dessert part which was one of the main reasons for going.
Then off to the medieval festival. Very crowded square but everyone having a good time. Little stalls selling the usual, leather goods (very good quality though), jewellery, sweets, food and beer.
The band sounded celtic which we did enjoy, spoke English to the crowd but not sure where they were from.

wizard float

They had a procession which went around the outer edges of the square with some of the performers waving and posing as they are supposed to do.

Before the procession

Not so easy to see but quite a spectacle.

We were waiting for the puppet to rise which we'd seen earlier today.




It did look odd as it lifted, partly because it showed quite a bit of bare thigh and as it lifted higher some people disappeared up between his legs.

in action

The puppet was amazing, I must admit though that I am spoiled for performances after having traveled with some of the best and seen them countless times. 

A guy did silks hanging from the forks and then a girl joined him for a little bit of doubles. It was a good show.

silks doubles

We had sat down earlier for a drink in one of the restaurants on the square and ended up in one of the best positions.

Tired now so home and getting comfy horizontally.

Day 3

So, first day of 'work'.
We arrived at around 9am and had a coffee, were offered cake and biscuits.
Then we got down to it.
A sheet spread over the floor and explanations began, the best way by far was being shown.
Anna started making and Ioana interpreted although we all seem to be getting along quite well without a full interpretation.
The masks began:

 Here is mine at the very beginning. At this point I have tacked the two pieces together, chalked the eyes and mouth and then cut them out. Through these holes the face is stuffed. It's quite interesting in that you're never sure how it's really going to turn out.

  And now further on, tubes of material, stuffed and sewn on.

Here he is, much more added. I enjoyed doing the facial hair. The hat will eventually become sewn on and possibly a few more special pieces added.

It was a very productive and enjoyable day, we've been told we did about two days work in the one day so everyone very happy.