artist statement
Mermaid House
Specific symbols were used to tie the sculpture to the history of the building site at North St. and North Ave. For example, soldiers’ remains from the War of 1812 were found during the archaeological excavation. Also found were coffeepots used during the war. The hat worn by the mermaid is from an 1812 soldier’s uniform, and she is holding one of the coffee pots. In more recent history, a Shell gas station was at this location, hence the scallop shell at the end of the mermaid’s tail. Her gaze is toward Lake Champlain, and her hair is formed as lake perch. The sculpture serves as a traditional architectural bracket, as well as a supporting figurehead for this building that is shaped like a ship.
Cast Forton with copper, stainless steel and fiberglass. 2003. Housing Vermont.
34’’ x 34’’ x 50”