What's in a Name?

So in helping Lily do a bit of research on the Notre Dame cathedral the other day, we came across an interesting fact about the origins of the word "gargoyle." It is derived from the latin word "gurgulio," which means throat or gullet. In actuality, the gargoyles on the cathedral are drainpipes, hence the name - the water "gurgling" through their throats. In archetectural terms, gargoyles are functioning drainpipes, non-water spouting gargoyle-like creatures are simply known as "grotesques." There are over 5000 gargoyles at Notre Dame. I guess I have 9 "grotesques" sitting around me at home. Neither Guido nor Salvatore (yes, I name them), spout water, but they do make me happy (they are both smiling). Lily thought this little tidbit about what gargoyle means simply hilarious. So yes, I guess Pink Gargoyle is really Pink Drainpipe.

But still, I really appreciate that a true gargoyle has both form and function. I like that in modern art and architecture too. Pretty objects are lovely, but if they also serve a useful purpose, then so much the better. When I was in my painting phase, I worked first on clothing before moving to larger and larger pieces of furniture. While I decorated these pieces with themes of mythology, or mexican tile designs, each still had a functional purpose. Frankly, you can't argue with the absolute perfection of an iconoclastic Eames chair. I don't pretend that my work was ever so lofty, but still even my painted wooden pepper mills served a need. Does my jewelry? The function is pretty basic - accent an outfit and flatter the wearer by being comfortable and easily wearable. The form - well, that continues to evolve.

I am glad that the season for markets and craft shows is winding down. I have another 5 weeks to go. But I am already chomping at the bit to move on and let my art evolve. I have a list of new skills and techniques to learn during the winter and spring so that I can continue to expand on my vision of what Pink Gargoyle means to me and, hopefully, to you.