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This is the second piece I carved for the City of Whiting. After finishing Progress, I worked with the city planner to arrive at a sculpture we both agreed would be both pleasing to the residents of Whiting and aesthetically appropriate for the space it was to occupy. Looking through slides of my past work, we decided a variation of a piece I had completed in 1997 would be suitable. After completion of the maquette, work was begun, and the piece was completed in about four weeks. The elliptical cross-section and the pronounced "S-curve" are both elements that are omnipresent in my current work.

The "S-curve" was described by Hogarth to be the most pleasing shape in the world. This he attributed to its resemblance to the curve of a woman's back. I'm not sure exactly how Hogarth's ideas play out in my work, but the overall aesthetic is appropriate. I chose to use Indiana Bedford limestone for my outdoor artwork for a number of reasons. First, the stone is plain and homogeneous. There is no grain or coloration to distract the viewer from the essential, distilled form.

Second, Bedford Limestone is one of the most popular carving stones in the world. It appears in our nation's monuments, and can be seen as an architectural stone in buildings around the country. Third, it is durable. Bedford Limestone weathers more consistently and more slowly than nearly any stone other than granite. Because Bedford limestone is made mostly of tiny oolites, it has a consistent grain size and porosity that makes it a very true stone. There are very few flaws or seams in this type of stone. There are none in the pieces I carved.

This piece was unveiled on December 5, 1998. It was unveiled in conjunction with the Whiting Christmas parade, and I am told that approximately 3,500 people milled past it before the night was over. I was told that the reception was largely warm. (I was unable to attend the unveiling.) I was especially happy to hear that the children enjoyed it. This sculpture is only three feet off the ground, so it is accessible to tiny hand, which was the goal. The most important art critics are the children.