Off the Starting Blocks
A female companion sculpture to The Swimmer, this work depicts a nude female swimmer just leaping off the starting blocks, which are rendered in bronze. With both arms extended forward and her feet lightly affixed to the blocks, the figure shows precise anatomical realism and defined musculature. The bronze sculpture is affixed to a wooden base by a large bronze plate and finished with an antique green patina. Artist: Edmond Schumpert Year: 1985 Medium: Bronze Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 14 inches Style/Genre: Classical; antique green patina Edition: Unique work (executed in the artist’s Mississippi studio) Provenance / story notes: This was one of a handful of sculptures commissioned by Hopping from Edmond Schumpert. Others include the Huntington Beach Surfer, the Duke Kahanamoku sculpture, and the monumental Toots Minvielle Memorial Honor sculpture currently in the Honolulu Airport. The archive includes the artist’s portfolio, behind-the-scenes looks, and copious documents, letters, and photos related to this and other awards’ creation, presentation, and administration.
