All the Statuesque news!
Thank you to Biz New Orleans for featuring "Statuesque New Orleans" in their Labors of Love column. My book was and always will be a labor of love!
Statuesque New Orleans: The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Dad the History Buff
Read MoreLimited Edition Print Set of New Orleans Confederate Monuments including Jefferson Davis, PGT Beauregard, Robert E Lee and Liberty Monuments now available for purchase. $65 with a copy of Statuesque New Orleans. Only 50 sets available - numbered and signed.
Dear Friends and Readers,
In 2006, following Hurricane Katrina, many were reminiscing about New Orleans and looking for ways to commemorate our fine city's traditions and culture. A little idea of mine, a photography book documenting New Orleans statues and monuments, became a reality. It took 4 years of research, interviews, lots of photographs and attention to detail. In 2010, Statuesque New Orleans was published!
I have worked hours publicizing my book, attending book signings and giving talks. And I still enjoy doing these. Through the years I have become an advocate for our statues and have volunteered time and dollars with a local non-profit to restore a number of our statuary.
New Orleans statuesque landscape has seen some changes recently. This is not the first nor will it be the last time New Orleans will talk about our monuments. As I mention in the opening of my book, Statuesque New Orleans "is not a complete study of every piece of artwork in New Orleans, but a photographic essay of its history and landscape and what I see as Statuesque New Orleans." I am proud to have documented this small piece of history.
My book is available online and in bookstores and also by calling/emailing me directly. Limited edition prints of each of the monuments taken down are now available for purchase. Hope you enjoyed discovering these hidden treasures.
Sincerely,
Ashley
In 1990, along the Woldenberg Riverfront Park, John T Scott installed a kinetic sculpture called "Ocean Song." John Scott, one of the most prominent African American sculptors in New Orleans died in 2007. Scott said of the 16 foot long mirrored sculpture: "The rings at the top of the sculpture represent the circle dances that were performed at Congo Square by slaves, the wires that bisect the rings are a reminder of the traditional African diddley bow musical instrument and the wind-activated aluminum rods produce visual patterns reminiscent of jazz." #statueoftheweek #nola
It's here! Today is the launch of my NolaVie column, "Up On A Pedestal!"
Hope you enjoy reading:
Beginning tomorrow, I will have a monthly column on NolaVie called "Up On A Pedestal." I'll explore in more depth histories and tidbits from our city's statuesque landscape. I'm thrilled to be able to be a contributor! Renee, editor of NolaVie, wrote this lovely and kind introduction!
http://nolavie.com/nola-photographer-finds-a-passion-for-monuments-19801/
Many have asked what I spoke about during the Monumental Solutions forum hosted by the Monumental Task Committee. I've condensed my presentation into a slide for each monument which you will find in individual blog posts. Filled with facts and dates, I hope they will be an educational tool for those who are interested in learning more about Statuesque New Orleans.
Tomorrow there are 2 very important meetings that will be taking place at City Hall. Hope to see y'all there. #saveourstatues #statuesqueneworleans
This week's #statueoftheweek is Reverend Avery Alexander. The Monumental Task Committee, Inc. recently restored and reinstalled the statue on the grounds of the new University Medical Center. Originally located in Duncan Plaza, Alexander was installed in 2002 and was sculpted by Sheleen Jones.
Enrique Alferez, one of the best known sculptors during the WPA period in New Orleans has many pieces throughout New Orleans City Park. "South Wind" or "Lost Goddess" was installed circa 1936-1937. #statueoftheweek
In the neutral ground of Claiborne Avenue is a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A life-size bronze bust sits atop a granite pedestal. Installed in 1981, Nancy Johnson was the sculptor. Do you know where the other MLK sculpture is in New Orleans?
On December 29, 1898 John McDonough's statue was installed in Lafayette Square. Upon his death, he donated half his fortune to New Orleans public schools.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the gilded statue on Decatur?! Now’s your chance! This Saturday I’m going to be talking about Joanie on the Pony at Salon de Jeanne D’Arc (http://stjoankrewe.blogspot.com/)! And I’ll have copies of Statuesque New Orleans available for purchase and will personalize.
Where: Loyola University New Orleans Danna Student Center, Audubon Room, 2nd floor.
When: September 20th, 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
The New Orleans Police Memorial was dedicated on March 25, 1975. In honor of Deputy Superintendent Louis J Sirgo, the memorial lists the names of all police members killed in the line of duty since 1890.
Do you know a police member who is honored? Please feel free to comment below and share their story.
One of the most exciting things to happen when Statuesque New Orleans was published was being asked to speak about the book. In two of those instances, I was interviewed by the Arts Council of New Orleans. http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org/
Below is a link to the videos. Enjoy!
Ashley Merlin, a local freelance photographer, presents a unique photographic guide to the statues and monuments of New Orleans. Statuesque New Orleans features 200 pages of history and facts.
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All images © Copyright Ashley Merlin 2015
