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Artworks
MICHAEL MASSIE, C.M., R.C.A. (1962-) KIPPENS, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Big Eyes, 12 March 2003limestone, antler, and wood, 11 x 14 x 5.5 in (27.9 x 35.6 x 14 cm)
titled, '"Big Eyes'";
signed and dated, "Massie 03 / March 12".LOT 32
ESTIMATE: $3,000— $5,000Further images
This sculpture by Michael Massie, from earlier in his career, was sparked by the artist’s fascination with the enormous size of an owl’s eyes relative to its body. Massie has...This sculpture by Michael Massie, from earlier in his career, was sparked by the artist’s fascination with the enormous size of an owl’s eyes relative to its body. Massie has brilliantly emphasized this by creating a contrast between the huge inlaid eyes and the dynamic liveliness of the bird itself. The deep indents in the wings suggest that they are flapping, and swirling lines cover the torso above the feet, one of which steps forward. The dynamic energy of the sculpture in contrast with the calm gaze of the owl underlines the fact that owls do, indeed, have very big eyes!
References: For numerous fine examples of Massie’s work in stone and metal see the exhibition catalogue by Gloria Hickey, Silver and Stone: The Art of Michael Massie, (St. John’s, NF: The Rooms, 2006); and Gloria Hickey, “Silver and Stone: The Art of Michael Massie”, Inuit Art Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 4, Winter 2006, pp. 18-29. For an excellent survey of the artist’s sculptural work, see Spirit Wrestler Gallery, 50 @ 50: Celebration of Metal and Stone: Michael Massie, (Vancouver, 2012). See also First Arts, 5 December 2022, Lot 87; First Arts, 12 June 2023, Lots 46, 96; Feheley Fine Arts, Michael Massie: Stories in Silver & Stone, (Toronto: Feheley Fine Arts, 2022), p. 11-12.Provenance
Collection of John & Joyce Price, Seattle, WA.
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