Black Lotus

Ron Fleming, Black Lotus, 1996, ebony, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.16
Copied Ron Fleming, Black Lotus, 1996, ebony, 3 3⁄4 x 5 5⁄8 x 5 7⁄8 in. diam. (9.6 x 14.4 x 14.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003), 2003.60.16

Artwork Details

Title
Black Lotus
Artist
Date
1996
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 3⁄4 x 5 5⁄8 x 5 7⁄8 in. diam. (9.6 x 14.4 x 14.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums
Mediums Description
ebony
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — flower — lotus
Object Number
2003.60.16
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.60.16

Artwork Description

Ron Fleming turns and hollows his shapes and then draws directly onto the wood, using the color and movement of the grain to guide his design. Balance is important, and Fleming walks around his sculptures several times, making small changes to ensure the composition works from every angle. His detailed pieces balance the fragility of petals and leaves with the strength and durability of wood.