There are so many ideas swirling around in my head, sometimes they go in the brain vault waiting for the right time to materialize. I’ve always been fascinated by Iris Appel, the New York socialite and fashion icon, probably because I love artsy costume jewelry so much too. When she passed away in March, I dug out a photo I had saved – I had the idea that one day I would create a series of figurative sculptures based on the fashionable older women of New York. That may still happen, but in the meantime another opportunity presented itself.

Here’s the inspiration behind my latest sculpture. This photo also answers the question – where did she store all her jewelry?

When Sid Cratzbarg announced he was reintroducing his Get Sidified Gala event to raise money for Crohns and Colitis Research I knew this was my chance to use this photo to create a memorable piece for a great cause.

I found this great jewelry box – took it apart, refurbished it, painted it and swapped out the hardware and drawer linings. Finally I upholstered the top of it like a throne for the fashion queen herself. Iris is an example of my signature portrait sculptures and I think I captured her essence complete with her signature glasses.

Here’s the finished sculpture along with one of my favorite Iris quotes.

You’ll find her at the Get Sidified Gala, October 18th at Sala San Marco in Ottawa, ON.

26″ tall – Iris is waiting to store some lucky person’s collection of fine jewelry.

For more info check out http://www.getsidified.ca