Last Friday, I had the pleasure to visit Bill Blix from Eugene, Oregon. His studio/home is on the outskirts of downtown Eugene, tucked away amongst trees and beautiful natural habitat....also close to the amazing Eugene City Bakery I might add!
We walked outside and were greeted by the many grand sculptures that rimmed the property.
The front gate had stacked rock construction which was a collaboration between Bill and his friend sculptor Tom Marandi.
Just the detail from Bill's pieces stopped me in my tracks. Bill and his wife charmed us for the afternoon with their warm hospitality.
Next.....
For my last studio visit, my husband and I drove outside of Portland to Troutdale to meet Bud Egger. I know this sounds corny...but I now have met a "Gentle Giant".
While following him to his studio I was taken back...this man made incredible sculptures, he pounded bronze, he chipped away at stone, his favorite tool was a grinder and he looked as though he could move a mountain.... but he was soft spoken and contemplative. As I followed him I had a thought....If a small bird were to drop from the sky, he would gently pick it up in his large hands, carefully move it around for a quick anatomy study and then gently set it free. Corny but true.
And then there were the tools You've got to love the hand wrapped fettling knife and the table with the years of cutting and hammering. I loved this!
What a great day..did I mention just how lucky I AM to meet these wonderful people? Yes, this is going to be a great show.
As we were preparing to leave, Bud shared a joke...."What's the difference between a pizza and a sculptor? A pizza can feed a family of four."
We all laughed but then sighed...a joke that really held some truth.
