Phoenix Rising
A full view of the “Phoenix Rising” public art mosaic from Richard Bowling Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia.
Image © 2018 Dave Chance Photography
This mosaic was inspired by a visit I made to an art class at Richard Bowling Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. The students showed me their sketchbooks and we talked about their lessons on ‘Life Drawing.” Life drawing generally refers to sketching the human figure from a live model, often in a class or studio setting. It is a fundamental practice to developing one’s skills as an illustrator, painter, or sculptor. The term can also refer to any practice of drawing from real life. A painter friend makes a lot of sketches of his dog, as a way to practice form and movement. I like to draw the people stranded with me in airports, waiting for a delayed flight.
A colorful detail of the head of the “Phoenix Rising” public art mosaic.
© 2018 Dave Chance Photography
A young artist draws the “Phoenix Rising” part of a public art mosaic in an elementary school.© 2018 Dave Chance Photography
When I think of ‘life drawing’ I also think of those people who need to draw, to paint, to make things as a way to survive and flourish. I am one of those people and I met some kindred spirits at the schools on my visit. To me, a creative life is a full life.
I want my mosaics to speak to the idea of the students making things. Not just drawing life that they see, but drawing the life they want for themselves. I want the kids of the Norfolk schools to recognize themselves in the artwork. I hope they will see themselves and see value and possibility in creating art and making things.
I wanted to show art as a fundamental part of life, not something esoteric and ‘over there.’ Drawing is not reserved for famous artists and faraway gallery shows. Engineers & architects draw, cartoonists & advertisers draw, scientists & naturalists draw, city planners & art teachers draw.
I wanted to show kids building our future.
A young artist draws the wing of the “Phoenix Rising” public art mosaic from Richard Bowling Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. © 2018 Dave Chance Photography
A colorful detail of the stones used in “Phoenix Rising” public art mosaic.
Image © 2018 Dave Chance Photography
The mosaic was recognized by the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) during their 2019 juried exhibit Mosaic Arts International: Architectural & Site-Specific category.
Stone mosaic “Phoenix Rising” adorns the hallway of Richard Bowling Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. © 2018 Dave Chance
ADD - Featured in CODA Magazine’s Flipbook.