After the Rain (Bronze and Wood Set)

1997

This, Garcia’s first foray into bronze, was an instant triumph. Her signature design style naturally translates into the new medium, which offers stunning revelations in the depth of field. The burnished surfaces provide a striking contrast to the matte patina of the background, giving the relief a honed clarity. The artist also achieves important subtleties in bronze that are not seen in the pottery.

“One thing I appreciated right away about bronze is the strength, the durability—a very different quality than clay,” states Garcia. “I’ve also been able to produce many levels of relief. With this piece, there’s a feeling of depth in which you clearly see the three dimensions, especially in the basket that the rain dancer is holding.”

She presents two compositions, one representational of the dancer on the front and a simple band of abstract design on the back. “The curving band symbolizes the flow of water. It incorporates imagery used before on pots: water designs, cloud motifs, jagged edges, all symbolizing water and inspired by ancient designs.”
(Tammy Garcia, Form Without Boundaries, 2003)