Grandfather Story Teller - "In the Moment"

Bronze Sculpture
16" Height x 9" Width x 10" Depth
Edition Sold Out

3 Artists Proofs Available - Contact for more information

In Pueblo tradition, storytellers are the elders who relay cultural history to the younger generations through animated tales and often amusing anecdotes. Before there was television and modern conveniences, families gathered together in the evening and listened for hours as grandmothers and grandfathers shared the events of the day, and told stories of days gone by. This reinforced the closeness of family and still continues to this day.

This bronze storyteller was initially created out of natural clay from Jemez Pueblo. My intent was to create a storyteller set, complete with grandchildren sitting around him, listening to his lively recollections. I finished him first and he sat in the studio for about six months, while I worked on other projects. Meanwhile, there were offers to buy him, but I kept saying no, that he was part of a set that had yet to be completed.

One day the owner of the foundry that castes my bronzes, came to the studio to deliver some pieces. He noticed the storyteller sitting there and inquired about him. Again, I said "He’s not finished," but he disagreed. "As a bronze piece, this is done. It’s great!" he insisted. Seeing that he felt so strongly about it, and with a little coaxing, I agreed to let him take it right then and there. Unfortunately, I knew I’d probably lose the original piece during the casting process.

Because of his beginnings in natural Jemez clay, he took on an earthy feel from early on. I enhanced this organic look by keeping a roughly textured finish. I chose natural pigments for his clothing and skin color, opting for delicate washes as opposed to detailed patinas.

On the back of his shirt is a design consisting of clouds hovering above two altars. Below the two altars are two triangular symbols representing rain. The title, "In the Moment," refers to this grandfather being fully engulfed in the story he is telling. It is as though he is reliving the entire experience again as he conveys it to his captive audience.

(Joe Cajero)