Update: To view an interview with artist Robert Turnbull, visit How to Make an Elephant.
Back 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 paper pulp, burlap, mixed media, concrete and plaster. She has now moved to Merrickville, where she was invited to participate in the Merrickville Fall art show and Artists’ Studio Tour. Gracie is standing outside the Judith Moore Gallery on St. Lawrence Street.
Gracie is no longer alone. She has been joined by a very tall giraffe. At 19 feet, the giraffe has no trouble looking in second-story windows.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the weekend studio tour, and when I dropped by the Judith Moore Gallery on Friday, it was closed. Consequently, I can’t pass on Giraffe’s name.
The giraffe is certainly impressive. Above, you can see the photographer reflected in the Gallery window between her long legs.
It’s hard to look natural when you’re a wild African animal standing on a sidewalk in Merrickville though. I think Gracie looked a little more at home at the Homestead Gallery. If you think Gracie or her friend would look perfect on your lawn, they’re available for purchase. Contact Judith Moore or Homestead Galleries or artist Robert Turnbull of Internal Combustion Studio.
Willow House Chronicles 
If they are made from paper pulp, what keeps them from dissolving in the rain?!?
In responce to Ellen’s question… although I do use paper-pulp in some of my pieces( primarily figurative stuff) these 2 sculptures don’t have any paper-pulp in their construction. They are made by first constructing a solid wooden internal armature… covered in wire and then roofing membrane. They are then coated in multiple layers of burlap lamenated with glue and multiple coats of spar varnish. I am currently working on a life sized hippo head with mouth in a wide open yawn. Watch for my work to be featured on CTV Ottawa’s Regional Contact. We have just completed filming and it will air sometime in November.
R Turnbull
Internal Combustion Studio
Hi Rbt, I was hoping you would drop by and answer Ellen’s question. I didn’t have all the details.
The giraffe is very impressive and I enjoyed seeing it. Does it have a name?
I would really appreciate it if you could let me know when the air time is for your TV feature. I’d like to catch that!
bAREFOOTHEART… not sure if you caught my episode on Regional Contact this past weekend? I didn’t know it was going to air until the last minute! If you missed it, you can access it by going to the Regional Contact web site, click on Nov 7th episode #1. Hope you enjoy it.
R
P.S. the elephant and giraffe should be making their way back to Homestead Gallery soon!
Robert, Thanks for the update! I added a link to the show at
How to Make an Elephant.