Artist's Intent

"Bella Appollonia" was inspired by theGreek and Roman antiquities as well as painting, music, architechture, literature and poetry. Named after Appollo, the Greek God of Muses, this feminine version (Appollonia) presents a classic design witha contemporary style. The artwork stands with one foot on a giant paint tube, her pallet repleat with brilliant dabs of colors. She holds her brushes high in a triumphant position, as if to say "Art conquers all".

The Process

In order to create the statue, the artist first modeled the figure ion clay. This small scale maquette was used to make a full sized clay model along with wax and plaster casts of figure. Molten bronze was poured into the casts which were then welded together and polished smooth. The surface was chemically treated with a patina for color, and then gold leaf was applied for highlights

About the Artist:

Audrey Flack is a pioneer of Photorealism and an internationally recognized painter and sculptor. Her work is in the collections of major museums around the world and is featured in the 7th edition of Janson’s History of Art. Audrey Flack holds a graduate degree and an honorary doctorate from Cooper Union in New York City and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University. She lives and works in East Hampton and New York City.

Dedication:

This artwork is dedicated to the late Louise Kotler, the first member of the Hillsborough County Public Art Committee to be recognized as a Member of Distinction. Since the inception of the County’s Public Art Ordinance and its Committee in 1989, Kotler was a dedicated member of that committee and volunteered her service for 8 years. She was also on the Tampa Museum of Art Board, and was active on the State of Florida Arts Council. “I am pleased the Art Muse is being dedicated to a greatly respected art patron,” said Flack.