Client: William H Frederick

Overview

Commission to create God of Winter Wind for William H Frederick's Winter Garden on his 17 acre Ashland Hollow Garden Estate. Request for 6-8' tall ceramic head to be placed on cement plinth at end of pathway through the garden. Winter Garden size, approx 2 acres.

Goals

The head (Boreas) is positioned so that he is blowing into the easterly wind. The garden is being designed around the head, with yellow blooming winter flowers that will line the pathway to Boreas. When selecting the color for Boreas, I wanted a color that would allow the evergreens and the yellow blooms to pop, thus creating a frame for Boreas. The hair for Boreas was inspired by the shapes of the branches in the surrounding trees. I wanted the head and the garden to have a shared energy.

Process

William H Frederick provided enormous trust and creative freedom for me in the development of this project. He wanted a 6-8' tall ceramic head of the God of Winter Wind, but he allowed me complete freedom in the design of him. I worked closely with Rodney Robinson in the design and coloring of the cement plinth, and Maragaretta Frederick and Jonathan Schoff from the Deleware Arts Museum in the organization of the instal. Ben Gage and Jesse Burrowes were fundamental in the design implement for the crane lift, the instal, and the packing and shipping.

Additional Information

This was one of the most exhilarating projects I have had the pleasure of working on. I would welcome many more commission of this nature into my life.