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Description:
The site-specific sculpture, based on the
natural history of the Phoenix Salt River Valley, incorporates the
artist’s love for the Southwest (where the Blacktail Jackrabbit is
an indigenous element of the environment) with his knowledge of
bronze. The outcome was an installation of three cast bronze
Blacktail Jackrabbits, standing 8-, 12- and 14-feet high and
weighing between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds each.
Blacktail jackrabbits are a common sight in Arizona and are native
to the desert surrounding the cities. In this sculpture, Mark Rossi
shows three colossal jackrabbits in natural poses around a large
fountain. These jackrabbits are called the Restful Rabbit, the Guard
Rabbit and the Groomer Rabbit because of their poses.
Funding:
This project was funded by the individual developer as a requirement
of Tempe's Art in Private Development Ordinance.
Artist
biography: Mark
Rossi was born in Denver, Colo., but the family moved to Tulsa,
Okla., where Mark’s father was director of the Gilcrease Museum. His
love for the Southwest was nurtured by his mother’s Apache, Pueblo
and Spanish New Mexican heritage. His parents inspired his love for
nature and art at an early age. As early as 10 years old, he began
to observe his father in his studio and foundry. Between his
father’s work and all of the influences which the Gilcrease gave to
him, it would have been difficult to escape the force of art. He
went on to study fine art at the University of Tulsa and the
University of Arizona.
Artist Statement:
"Although my work is realistic, I'm not
interested in sculpting copies of nature. I've become more relaxed
and learned to let the materials show me what they can do. I want to
allow the form to emerge from the clay and metal. Cast bronze is an
extremely plastic and durable medium to work with.” Mark continues
his observation and exploration of the natural desert habitat and
its creatures.
His work
is a combination of scientific study and aesthetic involvement in
the surrounding environment. |
