“ Guardian Angel”

By Winston Pike

“Guardian Angel” perfectly illustrates my new aesthetic of “full-shape” free form sculptures. At the beginning of the twentieth century sculptors Maillol and Lembruck created beautiful figurative works in which all forms (but not necessarily all shapes) were full.
By the mid-20th century British sculptor Henry Moore was largely doing the opposite. He believed a hollow form was as legitimate as a full one. Sculpting accordingly he created many profound and powerful semi-abstract works. But they were often purposely strange and lacking humanity. This was largely because Moore looked to bones (vertebrae), which suggest death, as his primary inspiration. In “Guardian Angel” I take the historic sculptor’s quest to discover new and meaningful forms a step further than Moore: I create free form sculptures in which all forms, as well as all shapes from all angles, are full.
Of course a sphere is a full-form, full shape sculpture. What I am doing, however, is to unite an arrangement of full forms in a manner that, hopefully, arouses our humanity and love of beauty.
Because our bodies (especially women) are predominately full, mankind takes pleasure in such fullness, associating fullness with life. As a result, well-designed sculptures consisting entirely of full forms and shapes can stimulate a mood of happiness and peace.
Religious and secular uses of “Guardian Angel”
Because of its humanity “Guardian Angel” is empowered to speak to us about moral issues, including protection of the righteous from the forces of evil. Jesus said that every child who trusts in God is watched over and advocated for by a guardian angel (Matthew 18:10). My image of such an angel is a warrior designed for battle! His chest is an impenetrable shield. His wings, like scimitars, slash and repel demons that attack the saints.
“Guardian Angel” can also powerfully speak to the secular world. Rising like a blooming flower it speaks of victory for visionaries, entrepreneurs, and nations. In fact, the sculpture which inspired me to create “Guardian Angel” is the immortal Athenian “Winged Victory “of Samothrace. It was carved in the 2nd century BC to adorn the Samothrace temple complex serving a religious and political purpose. It was with such a civic purpose that, following the 9-11 terrorist attack, I submitted “Guardian Angel” in the competition to create a 9-11 memorial. My design stood one hundred feet high covered in polished stainless steel. Rising phoenix-like out of the ashes of the twin towers, I hoped it might rival the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of American freedom.
My vision will not be fulfilled – at least on such a scale. Yet ambitious and freedom-loving people can enjoy “Guardian Angel” in its 17” size. Ultimately, whether in the lobby of a corporate headquarters or foyer of a mega church, 3’, 6’or even larger editions of this unprecedented work can yet inspire, challenge and console many.
If your corporation or mega church would like to own the first major enlargement of this work in polished bronze or stainless steel, I welcome your inquiry.

Status: Ready to be cast in bronze

Title: “GUARDIAN ANGEL”