108. Golden Serpent
Title: Golden Serpent
Date: 1984 carved onto side of base, 1987 according to Presentation Portfolio II entitled: NORMAN SUMNER GREEN
Subject: Serpent
Measurements: 17 ¾” W x 9 ¼” D x 21” H
Materials and Techniques: Wooden forms, wooden shoe last, brush, gold paint, glossy black paint
Description: Two half-circular wooden forms are connected facing opposite directions, creating an “s” shape. A wooden shoe last is attached to the top of the “s” shape, the tip of the “s” meeting the heel area of the shoe last, forming a continuation of the “s” curve. The tip of the shoe last represents the creature’s nose while the large hole that extends through the width of the shoe last near the ankle represents its eyes. Protruding diagonally from the back of the creature’s head is a brush, a small portion of which is connected to the creature’s head. This brush represents some kind of hat or helmet. Attached to the tip of the bottom end of the “s” curve is a large wooden fork with sharp prongs. This represents the creature’s tail. A round, frisbee-shaped wooden disk serves as the base. This piece is painted gold. Different elements are articulated with black glossy paint: the inner circle of the base, half of the width of each of the half-circular forms that together form the “s” curve, the spikes of the tail, and the area around the serpentine creature’s eyes.
Signed: “NSG 84” carved onto side of base