Watch the last hammer blows of Ronald Rae’s Gorilla Family sculpture which he completed on 23rd January 2014. The sculpture took him seven months to carve. Every time he finishes a work he says this will definitely be his last granite sculpture – his mind is willing but his body says emphatically “No!” Only time will tell…
The Gorilla Family is a truly amazing and inspiring work. Ronnie, you must be very happy to still be able to create such magnificent sculpture that takes such a toll on your body. Have a well deserved rest for a few months, then maybe start one last sculpture later in 2014.
Glad you like the Gorilla Family Russell. Ronnie thanks you for your kind and encouraging words. He will rest from sculpture for a while and devote his time to drawing, writing and his piano. One never knows what will happen later in the year…
Monumental effort once more. A magnificent achievment!
Many congratulations to Ronnie and the Support Team.
Love from
Malcolm & Lesley
Thank you Malcolm and Lesley for your support. Hope all is well with you both and family.
It’s just great to see the realisation of the Gorilla family…. who would have anticipated two babies!? The sheer physicality of Ronnie’s effort is quite daunting to watch. I’m pleased to hear he’s going to have a well-deserved rest from sculpting the granite and do some lighter work. I look forward to seeing mother and babies some day in the flesh!
Thank you so much Gail for this lovely response. Ronnie is quite sad now that he has laid down his hammer and chisel but his need to create is strong as ever. He will use it in other ways for a while.
Ian Hughes Smith. February 3. 2014. at 1900 hours.
Well folks, what a great privilege it has been to witness this wonderful valedictory. So Ronnie has created his last masterpiece – and what an inspiring one it is. He may have finished his work but in the birth of the Gorilla’s twins we surely have a vision of a future filled with hope and wonder.
Where there is birth there is always the promise of joy. And Ronnie’s Gorilla family is filled with the unspoken joy of new birth.
Ronnie, heartfelt thanks to what you bequeathed he people of Cramond and indeed Edinburgh. A fine legacy for us all. Bless you Ronnie.
Thank you Ian. Ronnie is very touched by your very warm response. He is always full of mixed emotions when he finishes a work. However his need to create stays with him – since finishing the Gorilla Family he has been drawing, writing and playing his piano every day.
Wonderful to have seen the Gorilla family from start to finish. She looks beautiful- what a lovely face. Thank you for including me is the process . Not sure if it will really be your last !!
Wendy
Thank you Wendy. So glad you enjoyed the creation of the Gorilla Family. Goodness knows whether this will really be the last sculpture… watch this space!
How amazing to be able to create something as beautiful as the Gorilla Family sculpture which will last forever! Congratulations from the McKirdy family. We all hope Ronnie will be able to continue his creative work for a long time yet.
Thank you McKirdy family. Ronnie is strengthened by your response and encouragement. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Ronnie Your sculpture is mind blowing – Gorilla Family Rozelle Ayr Stunning work
I love the way they are eternally born and emerging out of the stone an unfolding mystery
You humbly serve and midwife you do not overface the Divine revealing from the stone
Loving Waves to you and Pauline
Chiara Schilska