the accordion at midnight (2006)

“I was looking through a number of magazines and noticed that there were quite a few with pictures of people playing the accordion—and also several with images of carvings where people or animals are playing. I thought that it would be fun to have an owl playing the accordion while another danced.

“It is also interesting to note that the accordion is a common instrument in this province (Newfoundland & Labrador)… and it has been the basis of many a kitchen party (the best type of party!). As soon as the accordion is played—there is always someone who gets up to dance. This is what I wanted to depict here… the fun, the excitement, and the music, which brings people together.

“The two figures had to blend into each other, so I was looking at the contrast of the light and dark of the stone… and I had to figure out how to make their feet work! In the end, I left their feet textured but polished the body of the dancing owl, and on the other side I polished the accordion while leaving the player textured. I hope that it is as much fun to view as it was to create!”