Happy Schulz
Native of the Midwest, currently lives and works on the bluffs of the Missouri River of eastern Missouri, at Weldon Spring. Following college and informal training in the late sixties, Happy experimented with many artistic forms of expression She returned to graduate studies in the early eighties and centered her studies in sculpting, eventually concentrating on stone carving Stone, a product of nature, has its individual beauty and strengths Therefore, it imposes limitations and necessitates creation of simplified form. Happy develops an idea in clay and then decides which stone to use or vice versa. She uses four basic hand tools: hammer, point, tooth and flat chisel As the stone discloses it's character, the original design begins to emerge. The joy of creativity is released as she works with the beauty and strength of the stone The piece is finished after numerous hours of sanding and polishing Through this process more and more of the soul of the stone reveals itself. Happy is always filled with the enchantment of what each stone might become She believes this is a gift from God. 'To begin with a cold, lifeless stone and finish with an abstract form which leaves something to the imagination", is creativity at its highest For Happy, art is a medium by which to suggest meaning and encourage interpretation Her pieces evoke sensuality and often a transcendent spirituality The meticulous hand finish on each of her works has earned particular praise
"Trimester"
15" x 10" x 7"
Marble (base marble) female torso
It is in the first three months of pregnancy that the fetus is so vulnerable, the mother so anxious. Mother takes nothing for granted. Hope and anticipation are contrasted with fear and protection, especially if there is the shadow of a prior loss. This new opportunity renews her determination to nurture, protect and develop this new creation. This new creation also triggers certain fears and concerns. The joy of the announcement is shared cautiously, yet with hope. Anticipation is tempered with caution. Yet the mother somehow knows this time will be different This time will be successful This time is fruitful Her body memories return to the full-term babies - the funny way she walked as they stirred within her belly. Mother longs for those feelings to return as a sign that soon she will hold another healthy baby in her arms. The viewer of this piece can sense these contrasting feelings. From one angle, there is no indication of a fetus growing within. From the opposing side, one can see the rounding of the belly. In fact, it is magnified by size and the grain of the stone. The piece is simple and suggestive The lines are flowing and feminine, with the softness that the stone projects.
"Trimester" is a perfect example of the close relationship I feel with each piece of art I produce. Sculpting is my therapy, communication, healing, and sharing.
"Armor"
22.5" x 10" x 7"
Alabaster & black marble base
I truly believe that we are all passing through this world and our spirit!/soul lives forever in some form. While we are here, our body is as a vessel. "Armor" is such a vessel. As you note from the base a smooth form emerges. From birth to our physical death we have a multitude of experiences. Those painful. We choose not to experience again. Therefore, as with a fractured bone, we create a deposit, a device to protect from future pain. It is like armor. We try so hard to protect ourselves, to preserve our truth. The armor is acquired as we travel the journey. It is unlike any other because it is ours, a protection. Or is it? Is this a protection or a barrier? A barrier keeps us from feeling the fullness of life. It keeps others from getting too close; they can never break through it. It is up to us to disclose ourselves and let the wound be exposed and be vulnerable. It is also up to us to choose who we allow to cross this threshold into our utmost self. Only through this process can we heal. We must want to heal and become whole. It is only our choice. You will note that the front of this sculpture is shielded by various-shaped armor. However, the other side exhibits a less-protected surface, the result of healing. Duality plays a role in life, just as it is exhibited in this piece. The face we expose may reflect the scars or the healing of the spirit. Within the journey we want to be healed, we want to be close. It is our search, our mission, and our existence. It is the "within" that has come "out". Each vessel holds the emerging healing spirit.
My journey with my husband has crossed this threshold and many wounds have healed.
Happy Schulz