CIRCUS BABY ELEPHANT
by Maria Celeste Kay

My elephant head design was created as an attempt to transcend the original sculpture of the watering can and become, in itself, another sculpture. The can's spout lent itself superbly for the trunk and I saw ears in the handle and empty space. My strong background and daily work in animal portraiture influenced the elephant portrait. The circud headress was inspired while thinking of the beautiful natural "jewels" found in the gardens: birds, butterflies and flowers. I envisioned my elephant peeking out from behind an azalea bush or lurking in a field of tall flowers with the sun glinting off the jewels. I found the thought very whimsical and amusing.

It was a challenge adapting my 2D design to the 3D sculpture, but I am pleased with the way it turned out, and the light green I chose for the space around the mouth blends right in with the color of the grass and the beautiful arboretum flora.

I hope it will give many years of smiles to whoever owns it.