Demeter

For my final concrete sculpting project, I chose to make a statue of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, harvest and fertility of the earth. I had often joked that I was going to make a statue of Monica for the garden (lol). Metaphorically, this might be it.

I found a suitable online image of Demeter that I printed and sized-up as my blueprint. She is standing with her right leg slightly bent and holding a sheaf of wheat.

I wanted to have Demeter’s name on the base of the statue. To achieve this, I made homemade modelling clay letters out of corn starch and baking powder. Then I glued them onto the inside of the base form in reverse so the name reads correctly when the forms are removed. The internal wire framework was cemented into the base and then the wire mesh was added to form the body.

Once the grout was applied and had set, I proceeded with several grinding discs to smooth out the worst of the bumps and add a few details.

Here are some production shots:

This project ran purely on exploration and discovery (read trial and error). I reached the end point several times only to pick up my tools again the next day to continue. I learned alot about sculpting human anatomy and I learned you don’t always nail it on the first attempt. Nevertheless, my happiness level could not have been higher (almost spiritual). Just a little paint and Demeter was ready for the garden… and I love her there. She will be my one and only as tribute to my muse.

Thus concludes my sculpting with concrete phase. As my journey continues, I’ll seek work that is less messy, dusty, noisy and heavy. My back will thank me and so will my muse.

Thank you for reading. I am pleased to present Demeter.