More art news, you culture vultures! Metal artist David Smith and his nine foot tall gargoyle statue have fired up those who often say “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like.” They know they ‘ don’t like’ Smith’s immodest statue. Smith explains that the statue is particularly meaningful to him. “It kind of symbolizes fire, because I work metal and fire has it’s own spirit.” The sentiment is lost on his new neighbors who object that the gargoyle (naturally) wears no pants, displaying full frontal nudity which of course, is in proportion with the statue’s height.
Smith had no problems when he displayed the statue at his Phoenix home for over six years. It is only since his recent move to Paulden, AZ that trouble has started. Not everyone is bothered by the gargoyle, but some in the community maintain that this is a “huge deal” – and the county agrees. They’ve told Smith that the statue needs to be taken down or removed from public view, or he’ll face a fine of $1,000. But Smith said the statue is an extension of himself, and he’s not giving up easily. “If this is incompatible, I’m incompatible,” said Smith. “I honestly thought I had freedom of speech, and I will fight this. I won’t let them take it away from me: something I worked too hard on.”
What do you think? Obviously a large gargoyle isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but as we say – it is a free country. If we censor David Smith, who is next? I always harken back to John Ashcroft who had to spend $7,000 of tax payer money to drape the breast of a statue of Lady Liberty.