On the road to Kemptville, I was amazed to see a near-life size elephant standing outside an art studio a few weeks ago. I have driven by a few times since, and finally stopped in this weekend. Dave Leonard, owner of Homestead Gallery and an artist himself, introduced me to Gracie. She was even more impressive close-up, with a size and bulk that brought the experience of standing by a real live elephant thrillingly to mind. Gracie is the creation of Spencerville sculptor Rob Turnbull, who works with paper pulp, burlap, mixed media, concrete and plaster.
Homestead Gallery features the work of a number of local artists. The walls of the gallery display an interesting collection of paintings that cover a range of subjects from sailboats and cattle to still lifes and landscapes. Sculptures are displayed along with an array of artisan creations from pottery to jewelry to handbags. You can learn more about the artists and see a selection of works at the Homestead website.
Dave Leonard kindly took a photograph of Gracie and me. As an art object, I felt constrained from touching Gracie, but my hand kept drifting out, wanting to stroke her fine trunk.
Willow House Chronicles 
Dear WillowHouse… I came across your blog while on vacation in beautiful British Columbia( I’m currently in the Okanagan on a creative hiatus) Thank you for your kind words about Gracie. She was a lot of fun and a real labour of love to create. I am currently completing a life-size 19 foot giraffe! Yes… 19 feet!!! The giraffe along with Gracie will be making a trek to Judith Moore Gallery in Merrickville for September and October to take part as invited guests in the fall Merrickville art show. I look forward to seeing them installed at the outside entrance to that equally wonderful space! I told Dave though, that if Gracie is still available( she is for sale) after the Merrickville show I would love to see her back at Homestead Gallery. She looks happy and at home there! Again… thanks for taking the time to stop and see Gracie and for sharing your reaction to her. I’m thrilled to know that my work has touched somebody in a positive way!
Yours in Creative Wonder!
R Turnbull
Internal Combustion Studio
Hi Robert, Thanks for dropping by the blog. I am looking forward to seeing your giraffe! I haven’t been to the Judith Moore Gallery but will have to be sure to attend the fall art show.
I’m so pleased to see the interest in Rob’s sculpture of Gracie as I looking forward to displaying her and the Giraffe outside of my Gallery in September and October and however long I am ‘graced’ with them! As I also have an established Commercial Interior Design Business you will find more info and pictures of Gracie and the tour on http://www.mooreinteriors.ca in the next few weeks.
Yes, that trunk certainly looks approachable!
Judith Moore
Director
Judith Moore Gallery
Merrickville, Ontario
[…] in July, I visited Gracie the elephant at Homestead Gallery. The creation of Spencerville sculptor Rob Turnbull, the near-life sized Gracie is constructed of […]
[…] I visited Gracie the Elephant at Homestead Gallery, near Kemptville. This encounter is recorded in Meeting Gracie. At the end of September, Gracie moved to Merrickville and was joined by a second creation by […]