On Guard

On Guard

1993, Bronze
10-7/8" x 15-13/16" x 3-1/2"
Edition of 10

The boar, one of the principal Celtic power animals, shows up in legends, art and personal styling. The black boar, Twrch Trwyth, in the Mabinogion legend "Culhwch and Olwen," is one of the most dynamic presentations of this animal in any culture. The Pictish art of Scotland, with the animal carved in stone shows the strength of the animal, as do  the bronze sculptures of boars found on the Continent.  Ancient Celts would style their moustaches to represent boars' tusks and lime their hair to mimic the back bristles of an angry boar thus showing the respect with thich the animal was held.

"On Guard" is my expression of the sleek, elegant power of this Celtic symbol of prosperity and plenty.

This sculpture can be seen in the round at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg_y7S_Hy6M