ART IMITATES LIFE II:
BEYOND THE BRONZE
Seward Johnson Sculpture Tour

Inspired by Dance At Bougival by Pierre Auguste Renoir

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Renoir completed three nearly life-size paintings of dancing couples in 1882 and 1883. The painting on which this sculpture is based appears to have been conceived as an independent work, while the other two were intended to be a pair.

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In Johnson’s sculpture we can take a “turn” around the dancing couple, referred to in the title, which is not possible with the painting. In both Johnson’s sculpture and the painting, the handsome pair seem to be on the verge of a breathless twirl that will billow the skirt of her wide, laced-trimmed dress and draw the attentive escort even closer to his blushing partner.

The intense and internal spirit of the musician is shown in this sculpture. One humorous note is that the paper money in this street player’s case are bronze bills with sculptor Seward Johnson’s own face sculpted in relief on them!

A mother reads to her squirming toddler in this piece. We all know how important it is to start reading young, and to encourage the habit.

This boy epitomizes the summer day-ice cream dripping, having just jumped off his bike (note the pant leg tucked up to avoid the bike chain). What could be better?

This sculpture depicts an elegantly dressed African American woman. Her pride in her appearance extends to the delicious baked goods spread out before her, on sale for a community fund. How does this sculpture comment on the cultural shift that took place during Seward’s lifetime? Seward was a huge proponent of the ability for art to start a conversation, and to explore complex social issues with delicacy and creativity.

Seward Johnson always speaks about the power of relationship in his sculptures. This piece focuses in on the intimate bond between these two sisters, and the older one’s caring gesture of tying the younger’s shoelace. We presume that they are now off for a walk, or to play

together. These small bits of kindness are often highlighted in Johnson’s work.

Even the best of physicists can forget how to ride a bike. The quest to define relativity must have made him lose his balance.

Inspired by Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

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This sculpture invites viewers to investigate the mystery of Mona Lisa. Who is she? An adventurous theory presented by sculptor Seward Johnson, is that da Vinci used his pupil as the model, and exposes their masculine legs.

Seward Johnson’s use of paint and patina to represent skin has evolved over the 50+ years of making sculpture. The skin finish on this particular sculpture is considered a champagne metallic. How does an un-realistic skin color affect your interpretation of the sculpture?

These two brothers set off to find just the right wind to lift their colorful kite aloft. Note the younger boy’s Batman logo t-shirt. This brings to mind a specific childhood reference to super-heroes and one of our favorite fantasies. This sculpture was on view for many years in Key West, Florida, one of artist Seward Johnson’s home bases and favorite spots.

Follow us down the sidewalks and through the gardens of Ormond Beach, to explore the city and dance with plants. They are all around us…how are we influenced by them, how do we move in, around, and through them?  Share your explorations!

This young girl sits quietly reading. Seward Johnson enjoyed creating sculptures of both adults and children. Which book do you read over and over? Johnson's own youth was full of challenges, struggling academically due to dyslexia. He attended the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut which was committed to utilizing the best available resources and latest research-driven techniques to address the specific learning disabilities of their students.