In Alobar, Travis Bond has beautifully captured the restless energy that characterizes Gothicism in sculpture. The Gothic character embodies nervousness, ever-active energy and a lack of peace that precludes relaxation and lapse into partial awareness. In his alarm, Alobar appears powerfully present and starkly alive – a dynamic pose of potential activity compressed into stillness. Perhaps he has suddenly become aware of how dark the night has grown, or he has been alerted to an unknown presence in the gathering darkness.
On a pilgrimage to Paris, Benedict fell in love with a young woman. Whilst very beautiful on the outside, she was cold and cruel on the inside. She quickly grew bored with Benedict’s attentions and devised a scheme to rid herself of him. One day she demanded that he perform three tasks to prove his love for her: If successful, she would agree to be married. First, she wanted him to fly her up to the castle tower. Benedict went to the sorcerer and asked for a potion to make him grow wings and then, as requested, flew her to the top of the tower. The young woman admired the gargoyles surrounding the tower and wished that Benedict would look as handsome as they. Again, blinded by his love, Benedict took a potion and was transformed into a horned gargoyle. For his final task, she demanded that he sit not eating, sleeping or speaking until her return and then they would be wed. The wicked woman never returned and after many long years, Benedict turned to stone. Today he watches over the young lovers of Paris whilst awaiting the return of his love.
This humorous creature was sculpted for Castart Studios by Westcoast artist Craig Miller. Craig took his inspiration from medieval sculpture when he modeled lovable Bob, but don’t expect this little monster to frighten anyone away. Bob’s relaxed pose and open, friendly gaze make him a cheerful addition to any room in your home. This Castart exclusive is sure to stimulate conversation among your guests!
One upon a time, after the fall of Rome in a far away land, there lived three gargoyles: Giddian, Cadred & Ramsis. Now you know that at night when we are asleep, gargoyles come to life. One of the favorite pastimes of Giddian, Cadred & Ramsis was to mock their friends the three monkeys; See No Evil, Hear No Evil & Speak No Evil. Little did Giddian know that half a world away; his namesake had put pen to paper to write the bible. At that very instant all three gargoyles were frozen forever in their mocking poses. Together, the three gargoyles protect the harmony of your garden.
After a terrible argument with his girlfriend, Ealhelm perched himself upon the side of a building cornice to contemplate his next move. So engrossed in thought was he that he completely lost track of time and unfortunately the morning light turned him to stone. As time passed, the building was torn down. A mason working on the demolition chanced upon Ealhelm and was taken by his forlorn, lifelike expression. The mason saved the poor fellow from certain destruction and vowed never to let his new friend spend his days alone. Ealhelm is an old Anglo-Saxon name meaning ‘protector of temples’.
Cousin to Bob (another Castart Studios piece), Ernie is a curious creature who inhabits only the finer gardens. Charming and passionate, he is shown here demonstrating his amorous intentions with the offer of a flower. Known for his popularity with the ladies, Ernie’s irresistible smile and puppy dog eyes make him a perennial favorite.
Travis Bond has sculpted Giddian in the same style as the medieval European stonemason’s work, emphasizing gargoyles primary job of scaring away evil and easing the transition from paganism to Christianity. Giddian is not a replica, but rather an original design. Had Travis been sculpting in the thirteenth century, his work would undoubtedly be found on some of the finer cathedrals and chapels.
One upon a time, after the fall of Rome in a far away land, there lived three gargoyles: Giddian, Cadred & Ramsis. Now you know that at night when we are asleep, gargoyles come to life. One of the favorite pastimes of Giddian, Cadred & Ramsis was to mock their friends the three monkeys; See No Evil, Hear No Evil & Speak No Evil. Little did Giddian know that half a world away; his namesake had put pen to paper to write the bible. At that very instant all three gargoyles were frozen forever in their mocking poses. Together, the three gargoyles protect the harmony of your garden.
Travis Bond has sculpted Giddian in the same style as the medieval European stonemason’s work, emphasizing gargoyles primary job of scaring away evil and easing the transition from paganism to Christianity. Giddian is not a replica, but rather an original design. Had Travis been sculpting in the thirteenth century, his work would undoubtedly be found on some of the finer cathedrals and chapels.
On a pilgrimage to Paris, Benedict fell in love with a young woman. Whilst very beautiful on the outside, she was cold and cruel on the inside. She quickly grew bored with Benedict’s attentions and devised a scheme to rid herself of him. One day she demanded that he perform three tasks to prove his love for her: If successful, she would agree to be married. First, she wanted him to fly her up to the castle tower. Benedict went to the sorcerer and asked for a potion to make him grow wings and then, as requested, flew her to the top of the tower. The young woman admired the gargoyles surrounding the tower and wished that Benedict would look as handsome as they. Again, blinded by his love, Benedict took a potion and was transformed into a horned gargoyle. For his final task, she demanded that he sit not eating, sleeping or speaking until her return and then they would be wed. The wicked woman never returned and after many long years, Benedict turned to stone. Today he watches over the young lovers of Paris whilst awaiting the return of his love.
The Gothic imagination reverently acknowledges the awesome spiritual forces that are operative in our world, and its art stresses a reality that includes the spiritual, as well as the physical. Our gothic creature, sculpted by Craig Miller, symbolises such as extended reality: Mikan is earthly and familiar, yet fantastic and otherworldly as he peers into the heavens toward a greater single existence in which the physical and spiritual merge. Mikan’s knowing smile projects a transcendent wisdom cultivated through his long contact with the continuous flow of human experience. He is like a spectre of departed years, and shall remain long after those who now gaze upon him have ceased to be in this world.
A little forlorn in his expression, this impish little fellow eagerly awaits his next visitor. Why so sad Oliver? Feeling a little unloved, Oliver has been observing all the attention and flattering comments that the other garden residents receive on a regular basis, such as; “my, that’s such a pretty fairy” or “what a beautiful angel.” Perhaps the most hurtful is when patrons comment on other gargoyles; “isn’t that little guy cute?” Will no one love poor Oliver & give him a home?
