Fig

I’d contemplated figs for some time before beginning this piece, wondering how such a modest shape and texture could possibly suggest the sweet, surprisingly complex center hidden within. Then, the long anticipated arrival of fig season provided me with fresh models daily. Georgia O’Keeffe’s lush flowers were lurking in the back of my mind as I enhanced reality’s texture and exaggerated the scale. This two-part piece began as a solid clay form. It was high summer, hot and humid, and I used a handful of figs from “the mother of all fig trees” in my garden to help me perfect the shape.

When satisfied, I sliced it in two—right down the middle—and proceeded to flesh out almost exact mirror images. I worked on the texture of the fig’s glorious interior for months, off and on, until I had it just right. Savor this delicious sculpture in the garden. It will hold your attention even in the midst of the color riot that we gardener’s all strive to achieve by season’s end. Think of it playing off the lush foliage of elephant ears, tall willowy ginger, or bold banana plants—any of the tropical companions that love the same steamy hot days and nights. Or, perhaps this fig will keep you company in the kitchen on cold winter nights while you dream of lush summertime bounty.