Michael Dennis
born 1941, Los Angeles, CA
works in Denman Island, British Columbia, Canada
Man, 1998, cedar and stone, 6' x 20' x 8', Lent by the Artist.
Man was inspired by Michael Dennis' keen interest in primitive existence and the rough quality of untouched nature. The gigantic hammer shape symbolizes one of the fundamental tools and shapes of prehistoric life.
The sculpture is fashioned from two of earth's most basic materials, wood and stone. Dennis strives to retain the inherent qualities in the materials that he uses, all of which are obtained from natural resources near his studio. The blunt power of the sculpture is also reinforced by its massive scale. According to Dennis, viewers will hopefully be "reminded of the natural link between us and the earth, from which we arise."
