Celebrating Artistic Collaboration at American Fine Arts Foundry
At the American Fine Arts Foundry (AFA Foundry), we take immense pride in fostering a collaborative environment where artists and sculptors can bring their visions to life. Our “Imagination Realized” exhibition is a testament to the extraordinary creativity and dedication of artists like Brian Keith, whose monumental works not only capture historical narratives but also celebrate the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship.
The Essence of Professional Collaboration
The professional relationship between an artist and a foundry is pivotal. It involves mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to excellence. In the creation of “The Dublin Heritage Crossroads Monument,” titled “The Junction,” artist Brian Keith partnered with AFA Foundry to merge artistic vision with technical expertise. This collaboration brought to life the resilience and heritage of Dublin’s early settlers and Native Ohlone tribes through meticulously crafted bronze sculptures.
Foundational Tenets of a Good Collaboration
Good collaboration is built on the pillars of communication, respect, and shared goals. AFA Foundry excels in these areas by:
- Communication: Ensuring open and ongoing dialogue to understand and execute the artist’s vision accurately.
- Respect: Valuing each artist’s creative process and providing the space and resources they need to express their creativity.
- Shared Goals: Working towards a common objective to create art that resonates with both the creator and the community.
These principles are evident in how the foundry handled the intricate details and challenges of “The Junction.” From the selection of materials to the final touches that bring each figure to life, AFA Foundry’s team worked closely with Brian Keith, ensuring every aspect of the monument reflected the era’s authenticity and the artist’s intention.
Kudos to Artistic Partnerships
Kudos to Brian Keith and AFA Foundry for their outstanding work on “The Dublin Heritage Crossroads Monument.” This project highlights how professional collaborations can result in powerful, meaningful art that enhances public spaces and enriches cultural heritage. Through such partnerships, AFA Foundry not only supports the artistic community but also helps bring profound historical narratives to the public, showcasing the foundry’s commitment to excellence and creative expression.
As we continue to explore new boundaries and celebrate the unlimited potential of creativity at “Imagination Realized,” we invite everyone to experience the power of collaboration and the transformational nature of art in its most genuine and elevated form.
Brian Keith Artist/Sculptor
Capturing Pioneering Spirit: 'The Junction' Monument Honors Early Settlers and Native Ohlone Tribes
The Dublin Heritage Crossroads Monument, titled “The Junction,” aims to capture the spirit of the pioneering families and the Native Ohlone tribes who shaped the East Bay during its formative years. Inspired by the storytelling of artists like Norman Rockwell and Morgan Weistling, the monument features four life-size bronze figures engaged in the routines of pioneer life, each symbolizing in a different way the resilience and dedication of Dublin’s early settlers.
Set atop a rock formation with granite pavers, a stoic blacksmith looms over his weathered anvil, hammering away at his craft. A loving letter from his wife tucked in his back pocket reminds him of the purpose of his tireless labor. Beside him, a barefoot girl lovingly bottle-feeds a wooly sheep, a carrot peeking out of her apron pocket, a hint at the other animals she will visit during her daily chores. Beside her, a teenage boy wears a look of intense concentration as he pushes a plow through the dirt. The slingshot in his pocket betrays the schemes of future mischief brewing in his head. And seated serenely on the ground is a native Ohlone woman, adorned with a beautiful necklace of pine nuts, dentalium, and abalone shells, expertly weaving a basket of reeds, embodying the rich culture and heritage of her tribe. This arrangement encourages community interaction, offering photo opportunities and an educational experience.
Collaborating with experts from the American Fine Art Foundry of Burbank, CA and Potenza Stone resulted in a piece that seamlessly blends into the park’s landscape. This monument not only commemorates Dublin’s rich history but also serves as a lasting tribute to the perseverance and heritage of it’s people.
Technical Challenges and Solutions:
One of the main challenges was achieving an authentic look for the sculptural elements. This involved meticulous attention to the clothing and accessories of the period. To ensure accuracy, I worked with a seamstress and clothing designer to create authentic “costumes” that reflect the era’s attire. This attention to detail helps tell the story convincingly and transports viewers back in time.
Another challenge was balancing whimsy and sincerity in the sculptures. The monument needed to convey the hard work and blessings experienced by pioneers while also being engaging for both children and adults. To achieve this, I incorporated playful elements, which I call “pocket stories.” For example, the girl’s pocket contains a carrot, ready for feeding to the next animal, the blacksmith’s pocket carries a love note from his wife, and from the boy’s pocket mischievously peeks a slingshot. These small details add depth and playfulness, making the sculptures more relatable and engaging.
The poses of each figure were carefully crafted to tell a compelling story in a single glance, capturing a single, fleeting moment in time. This process involved working with live models, including everyday people who represent the characters in the story and actual members of the Ohlone tribe. This collaboration ensured sincere and authentic storytelling, much like a director orchestrating a movie or a conductor leading an orchestra, bringing all elements together into a cohesive and meaningful monument.
