Animal Assemblage

Harbinger of Spring Turtle

The reason I chose the turtle, is that I wanted to create an animal that was not unsteady such as a deer, because of the materials I was going to use, so I chose the turtle. I began brainstorming what I was going to use for materials and I soon realized that the world around me was changing and transforming as the seasons changed. My garden was becoming more and more bright and filled with new flowers–it was then that I knew I was going to use nature in my sculpture.

I began by using clay to create the muscles and body of the turtle. I then realized that I didn't like the bear look of the clay when it was dried, so I decided to use tinfoil for added texture and vibrance to the turtle. I then used modge-podge for a glue-like substance to glue the flowers on to the turtle. I knew I wanted the shell filled with vibrant flowers, so I did so. I began taking the first flowers (or weeds) I saw–dandelions, "a harbinger of spring." I then began adding whatever small flowers I had been noticing that were popping up in my garden in the last few weeks.

I finished the turtle sculpture off with some moss on its arms and legs and tail, and I then glued small flower buds on to the head as eyes. When it all came together I was super happy and excited about how vibrant it looks. I ended up putting it on my kitchen table next to the flower vase and thought it looked so fresh and pretty as a table garnish.