As sensual as the feminine is in torsos, the face is about expression. Rather than being a feeling like the body, faces reflect and project feelings. Should the eyes be open or closed? The lips pursed, turned to a smile or sneer? The cheeks tense or gentle? A slight turn of the chisel and the face changes completely.
― WLN
Chris (Portrait of My Mentor)
Salem Limestone (Indiana)
10" x 10" x 12"
Finished, 2012
Chris MacAndrew carved over 350 women's torsos during her 82 years. When I first met her and before being invited into her house, she casually asked me "Do you use power tools?" "No just chip with a hammer and chisels." "Good! ". From that point on I had a wonderful relationship with her and her carving. I brought White Alabaster Lady to Virginia for her to see. We were sitting at her table having some pizza and wine. She turned looked at my sculpture and said "That works." Absolute supreme praise from a Master Sculptor. A year after her passing I carved this portrait to honor her.
― WLN
Sentinel
Salem Limestone (Indiana)
10" x 6" x 22"
Finished, 2010
This sculpture commands the entire yard.
― WLN
Scarlett Johansson's Lips
Silverdale Limestone (Kansas, an old fence post)
11" x 11" x 20"
Finished, 2013
I needed a really great set of lips for this sculpture. I asked Pam who's lips should I look at on the Internet. Without a pause, she said Scarlet Johansson has the best lips in the world. I had what I needed for this sculpture.
― WLN
Guardian
Albemarle Soapstone (Virginia)
6.5" x 6" x 36"
Finished, 2016
I had this crazy piece of stone with scalloping on it, all green and iron brown color. D.J. Garrity was giving another class in faces. In three days “Guardian” emerged. All the faces have been created under DJ’s discerning eye. When I had doubt or something felt off, he would come over and assist. These pieces are very much because of DJ Garrity.
Here’s a video of the process of Guardian: