The Amaryllis Fountain Cerritos, CA

NSG Public Art Placement 134:
​Our largest placement by Sharles through the National Sculptors' Guild is "The Amaryllis Fountain" designed for the Civic Plaza of the City of Cerritos, California. Images show various points in the creation of the multifaceted sculpture that featured a central 9ft tall bronze Amaryllis surrounded by Four vignettes of a Swan, Frog, Koi and Turtle accompanied by sculpted water lilies, and shorter stemmed amaryllis, plus natural aquatic plants. Water streams from the center of each flower in the 16-ft diameter composition. All finished in his signature vibrant colors; Sharles never shied away from a bold stroke of color. 

Artist's Statement: ​“These last several years I have been fascinated with wildlife and water in the application of my art. My work with the American Endangered Species Foundation has deepened my appreciation for birds, fish and reptiles. I have created baroque-like fountains incorporating these wonderful creatures in as many places as possible. Water is most appropriate for these animals and creates an ambiance that captures the imagination for hours. I have created my fountain pieces so they have multi-functions and can be applied in many ways and combinations.
 
My studies in Central Europe, Rome and England as well as in Japan and Hong Kong, have influenced my style considerable. The classical art of the Baroque, 18th Century Rococo, Renaissance and religious art of Europe and the Orient fascinates me. The antique art of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Central Europe and the Orient intrigue me and affect my work considerable.
 
My studies in Montreal, Boston and New York have deepened my interest and research into the environment and the life it supports. My work is dedicated to dramatizing the plight of wildlife and environmental concerns.
 
My loose impressionistic technique allows me to capture the essence of these creatures in energetic and somewhat startling tableaus filled with images of their haunting beauty. My work is not mainstream wildlife isolated with the animals isolated from their environment or from other wildlife. I aim for a fresh yet mysterious drama, full of enchantment, adventure and a fluid beauty woven with the exotic imagery and lush abundance of prehistoric times. I visualize great roaring waterfalls, volcanic landmasses arising from pounding oceans and rain forests of lost worlds teeming with myriad forms of life all shrouded in vast clouds of mists and rain, invoking seemingly ancient vistas. Butterflies, orchids, giant dragonflies, as well as the exotic tropical birds, parrots and owls interact with turtles, lizards, alligators and fish forming collections that fascinate and delight.” -Sharles

Initial conceptual sketches, different iterations that still incorporated the Amaryllis as the focus:

Proposed Concept: ​Amaryllis Fountain 
The pool for the sculpture is in the shape of a circle. The complete fountain is comprised of a central sculpture element with eight sculptures surrounding it. In all, there are eleven jets of water.
 
The central sculpture is eleven feet high. It is an amaryllis bulb with two leaves and two stem stalks coming out of the crown of the bulb. One of the stems is short with buds on it and the other is tall with three open flowers with stamens. A jet of water flows from the center of each of these flowers into the pool.
 
On the individual compass points of the circle are sculptures of a turtle, a fish, a frog and a swan emerging from lily pads. A water lily flower is placed among the pads for additional interest. Jets of water flow from the flowers towards the center of the pool. On each of the figure’s backs are four-foot high amaryllis bulbs with flower stalks. It appears that they have dislodged them from the shoreline. 

​Maquettes sculpted in wax, cast into bronze and hand painted by the artist shown below:

Enlargement and casting process:

 Sharles studied extensively in Europe and the East Coast of the United States.
 SHARLES' Public commissions include: “Left Hand of God” for the Atlantic City Courthouse, a bas-relief for the City of Palm Desert, CA, “Moonbeam” for Centaur-West Galleries, Chicago, IL and North Shore Nursing Home, Loveland, CO, “Evolution of Flight” for Continental Airlines, “Angel of Caring” for United Way, “Great American Eagle Fountain” for J.M.J. Corporation, a bas-relief for the Omaha Botanical Gardens, Omaha, NE and a bas-relief for the Loveland Museum and Gallery, Loveland, CO.
Other private and corporate commissions include:

• American Endangered Species Foundation
• Alva Museum Reproductions
• Apollo Space Program
• Atlantic City Collection
• Actress Kay Ballard
• Marlene Boggs
• Shari Carmen
• Centaur-West Galleries
• Continental Airlines Sculpture Showcase
• Actress Betty Davis                                                      
• Actor Duke Ellington
• Songwriter Jerry Herman
• Actor Jerry Lewis
• Actor Zero Mostel 
• Joe Namath
• City of Palm Desert
• RCA Records                                                                           
• Catherine Sass