Artist: Zan Wells
Vissi d’arte, Virginia Uldrick
GJ: How were you contacted to create this piece?
ZN: One of Virginia Uldrick’s friends, Nancy Stewart, contacted me about creating a sculpture depicting Uldrick, the founder of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
GJ: What is the inspiration for this piece?
ZW: My inspiration was Virginia’s exuberance and style. I wanted to capture her invitation and encouragement for all to be excited and interested in the arts.
GJ: How long did it take to create? What was the creation process like?
ZW: Including all the pre-planning and foundry time, it took almost a year to complete. It is made in the traditional way for bronze sculpture, which includes drafts, clay models, molds, casting, cleaning and patina.
GJ: What is your favorite part of the piece and why?
ZW: Virginia got to see the sculpture and was present at its dedication. There is no one part of the sculpture that I like more than others. I feel that I caught her [Virginia] in action doing what she loved.
GJ: When was it completed?
ZW: The sculpture was completed in 2014.
It is located at the entrance of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities at 15 University St. in Greenville.
