Gia

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Enzie Shahmiri

Garth,

She is beautiful. I have seen many portrait artists who have made the jump to sculpture and wonder if you would share the challenges sculpturing a piece such as this present, in comparison to a portrait.

Dear Alex, Enzie, Carlos, Heidi, Bonfim, Alan, Tony, and Michele,

Wow, I am late to respond: I really appreciate all your kind remarks and praise!

To be perfectly honest, Gia was an adorable terror to sculpt! Already keenly aware of her endowment of enviable beauty at such a young age, she presented me with quite a challenge to represent her justly; and not only due to her preschool wiles. Firstly, she could never sit still, as few her age can. Secondly, her wonderful shoulder length cascading brown locks and tresses were impossible to represent in clay, so a wise joint decision was made to gather her hair tied into a bun. Her delecate cool-toned complexion paradoxically transforms into the sultriest Mediterranean tan upon the first rays of summer, contrasting those eyes that flash as sapphires. It can be intimidating and humbling! She'll be one to watch as she grows.

Fortunately, clay is one democratically neutralizing color, and a good portrait representation comes down to nuances of modeling and form in a given light within that singular quality. Exacting description of form becomes all important, especially in young children, because despite the soft rounded cheek forms, there is an underlying bone structure that must remain apparent however subdued it may actually be. And lastly, one constantly looks for ways to distill and simplify the cacophony of disparite forms as one develops and refines the sculpture. Speaking of structure, the notion of employing that coy shoulder gesture came quite naturally during the first sitting. This was just so "Gia".

I am pleased that so many like this piece. That is personally rewarding; thanks, again to everyone!

Garth