Musing With My Muse about Muses

I ADORE days like today!

I really got into a new sculpture that I am doing for the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters.  This was one of those creative "zones" that I have always described as "My Muses are Musing".

Today my Muses were Musing about Muses! 

The organizers of the fast approaching 2007 awards of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters wanted an award that would stand alone as a work of art and would hearken to the organization's logo.

Mississippian Terry Simmons created the MIAL logo based on a detail from a 1497 painting by Renaissance painter Andreas Mantegna (1431-1506), entitled "Mars et Vénus dit Le Parnasse," or "Parnassus". This painting is in the Louvre, and it is viewable online here.

One of my favorite aspects of a challenging new commission is the research.  In my Bible-Belt upbringing, my teachers did not spend much time on Greek Mythology.

Now, my head is spinning with images of Muses or Graces from great artists through the ages.

Here is where you can learn more about the 28-year-old prestigious juried award program for Mississippians who have achieved in the arts.

The winners for 2007 are already posted on the MIAL website, so I guess it is not a secret.  Morgan Freeman and Bill Dunlap are two of the eight luminaries who will be receiving one my sculptures in just a few weeks!

I've only shown portions of the sculpture here because the piece is about 50 percent completed.  After the June 9 Award Gala in Greenwood, I will be able to show you the entire sculpture. 

This country girl is quite flattered and honored to be a part of this organization that honors Mississippi's greatest resource....our writers, musicians and artists!  Here is how you can join MIAL in their noble mission.

Comments

[Janette]

Hello.
My name is Janette and I am 33 years old crafter from Finlad...I have been watching your clay work and I got interested of making those too. Could you recommend me som literature and info about your clay type and tools? I would appreciate that.

Sincerely
Janette

[June]

Penny, I think this is so wonderful! The beautiful pieces you make are museum-worthy in my opinion and what an honor for those folks to receive some of your work. Mythology is one of my favorite interests and the Muses are a great and worthy subject for your sculptures. Hooray for Mississippi in encouraging the arts in this way!