Posting Date: April 27, 2009
Art alumnus presents memorial owl sculpture for campus
By Jarmea L. Boone
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Alumnus Chris Wilson |
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"Midnight Owl" |
Kennesaw State University alumni Chris Wilson (art, 1994) has constructed a new symbol for the campus of KSU: “Midnight Owl,” a bronze owl sculpture that will honor those who have served at KSU and those who have passed away. The sculpture has been installed on the campus and will be the main attraction of the installation ceremony on April 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Wilson taught art at KSU from 2001-2007. In 2004, he was commissioned to construct a small owl sculpture for the campus that now stands in President Papp’s office. He used the 2004 sculpture as a model for his new memorial sculpture.
For the recent sculpture, he used the lost-wax method of casting in foundry from 450 lbs. of bronze and 1,000 pounds of granite. Wilson also used metal, clay, and foam in the shaping of the owl. The finished piece stands about nine feet tall and three feet in length and will overlook the campus green alongside the flagpoles. The process of shaping the memorial owl has taken a full year.
Wilson built the memorial to stand as a spiritual piece. The sculpture’s meaning is represented by delicate adjustments that he made in the owl’s presentation. “Spirituality is suggested in the subtle adjustment and pose of the owl,” Wilson said. “The owl is dignified and wears a somber expression. It has a lot of movement and contrast. The owl will look over the campus and over us.”
He has had good reactions thus far with the sculpture and looks forward to the feedback after the official installation ceremony. “I hope I can touch people with this sculpture. So many people have volunteered and assisted me in this process. I am grateful to them.”