Shadow Fronds Sculpture

Michael Binkley carved this monumental original fine art abstract stone sculpture from two types of granite. Binkley sculpted the vertical elements of the abstract sculpture from grey granite that is quarried in the Squamish, British Columbia, Canada region. Although it is light grey in colour, when dry, it almost appears white and this gives it the commercial name “glacier.” The dark “pods” are carved from prairie green granite, quarried in Quebec, Canada. The grey granite base that the sculpture is mounted on is included. The vertical pieces are secured by steel pins, but are free so the sculpture can be disassembled for transport. Granite is an ideal medium for outdoor sculpture, as it is virtually impervious to natural and man-made pollutants. Being a silica based stone, it can withstand temperature, acid rain and ultra-violet light. It is almost maintenance free, only requiring an annual pressure wash with water. Graffiti tagging is easily removed with solvents. Binkley was inspired by plants for this sculpture, namely the banana tree and the anthurium flower. He acquired two wedge shaped offcuts from a obelisk that was cut at a granite supplier. These Binkley stood vertical and carved into shapes that resemble banana leaves standing on their stems. From the stem tops, two forms that resemble avocados sprout out, looking like the stamens of the anthurium flower. The leaves, or fronds have a bush hammered finish on the stems and outside convex surfaces, while the concave faces of each frond have saw lines that resemble the texture of a banana leaf. Because theses surfaces are unpolished, interesting shadows are captured. Highly polished stone will reflect light and resist holding shadow, and the pods are highly polished to reveal the deep green colour of this variety of granite. This sculpture is 10 feet high and is a commanding presence in a garden or open landscaped area.