The Creation of Kudu Trophy

This particular commissioned work has challenged me like no other. My intent was to grace this animal (the Greater Kudu) with the power and beauty it so embodied when alive; a different approach to a trophy with artistic reverence and honor. The composition called for a balance of nature and man for it to find a voice.

The use of natural rock became the key ingredient to harmonize with the glass and metal; Jasper was a perfect choice, as it lent itself to the Kudu's native ground colors. My client brought with him coins and rocks from the African village; several of the coins are part of the mosaic, as are some of the rocks on the stand. The villagers received all but the trophy to utilize as food and hides, all was donated to the tiny African community.

As you can see, the antlers are removable. Since the chards cannot be placed too close (for ease of placement), my first task was to (paint) match the antlers with the exposed area. The next task was to fill in the crevices and fortify the skull. Three to five layers of plaster tape were applied to reinforce and solidify the base in prep for chard placement.

The Kudu has a distinct white facial marking that defines it in the antelope family. My goal was to mirror this in the mosaic with a natural material. The image illustrates the outlined sketch for placement.

Raw Jasper was chosen for the markings; carefully cut with a glass saw, these became the first chards for placement. Other raw materials used in the mosaic and stand: Mexican Crazylace Agate, Agate Conglomorate, Paint Brush Jasper from Mexico, Oregon Agates, India Script Stone, and Carey Ranch Plume Agate.

Once the placement begins, the form, or in this case, the Kudu, takes command of what then follows. Although it took more than the usual amount of time for me to begin this piece (the beast and I had to get acquainted), once begun, a lovely rhythm of progression hummed through my studio.

The skull and teeth need to be taped off before grouting to protect from staining; extra caution when using black grout.

Grouting, that step which can breathe life into the piece.

The stand was custom made with my husband's idea of using a cymbal holder; the trophy can then be adjusted to the desired viewing angle. The assorted jasper and agates were then secured in place with my client's option to add his materials (rocks and coins) brought from the site.

As with all of my work, the piece is not complete without being sealed. This process allows the art a longer life span, as it protects the grout from natural elements. "Mosaic can mirror a journey, a being and or event. In the case of a trophy, beads and gems can be purchased from the local villages, images of symbols, coins, rocks, those treasures that can endure time, contribute to the mosaic and interpretation. As I've often said, "mosaic has no boundaries".