19 February, 2017

“Elephant Walk….A Powerful Message!”

Well….as usual, I’m scanning the collection, trying to decide what piece(s) to write about.  It occurred to me that I have not written about one of my favorite pieces as relates to what it brings to mind when I look at it.  I wrote recently about a Whale Mom & her Calf, and it took me into thoughts on our planet’s largest undersea mammals, and the special bond between mother and child.

That identical theme can also be applied to our largest land mammal, and that is evident in this piece I call “Baby Elephant Walk”.  The title is a combination of the classic movie “Elephant Walk” which starred Elizabeth Taylor, and a very popular tune from the ‘60s penned by famed composer Henry Mancini.

The piece’s visual presentation showing mother casually walking along with baby close by, mimicking her by raising its trunk (a sign of good luck by the way), is one of those kinds of scenes that make you just say “aww….how cute!!” (smile)  I have to admit that my reaction when I first saw this piece had less to do with its’ “cuteness factor”, and more to do with its’ overall visual appeal.

I appreciated the way the artist (or sculptor I guess I should call him or her) created the detailed look of the Elephant’s hide(s), and I really liked the frosted treatment rather than seeing it as a clear crystal piece.  Like my “Mountain Lion”, I’m not exactly certain that this piece is glass….it just may be acrylic.  At any rate, it is one of my nicest sculptures, and is the largest pachyderm of the 16 in my “herd” (if you will).

I remember the movie “Elephant Walk”.  It is a film that once you see it no longer has you think of them as the circus attractions who are crowd pleasers performing cute tricks.  By the way, I think it will indeed be the end of an era when Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus is no longer a part of the “American Experience”….their treatment of their Elephants notwithstanding.

I won’t take the time to tell you the storyline of the movie (I’m sure you’re pleased [smile]), but its message does prove to be powerful.  I will tell you that it takes place in the country of Ceylon, India.  An American had built his family’s tea plantation apparently right in the middle of the Elephant’s migratory path, and the conflict between man & beast(s) crescendos into a climactic confrontation….it’s a great film!! (smile)

The “Baby Elephant Walk” refers to a popular scene from the film called “Hatari”.  It was an African Safari comedy / adventure and starred John Wayne, Red Buttons and Elsa Martinelli.  The “cuteness factor” arose from one scene where Martinelli’s character walks a few baby elephants to a watering hole!!  The song plays whimsically during that scene. (smile)

If I remember correctly, I came upon this piece in a shop in a mall.  I don’t remember it being an antique mall, nor could I say it was in a crystal, or gift shop either!!   I guess I really don’t have much to say about this piece beyond what I’ve written at this point.