Archives: Sculptures

The Royal Butterfly Trainer is one with the butterflies, as if born to them.  With grace and purpose he guides a select few to perfected flight.  This is a loving art form,  not mere entertainment, for those so trained will lead the annual migrations.

“Lady Melissa and the Perfect Mask” is the third sculpture in the Royal Faerie series. She’s found the Perfect Mask so now she’s off to the Royal Faerie Masquerade Ball. The Ball is held on each Winter Solstice eve, when Royal Faeries gather to celebrate the beginning of longer days and the promise that soon all of nature will once again be on display.

“Orchid Empress Awakens” is the fourth sculpture in the Royal Faerie series. As the first glints of sunrise glisten on beads of dew, Orchid Empress Awakens. She stretches to dry her wings in the amber light and exotic orchids and other such beauties follow her lead. Like a dance choreographed in slow motion these dazzling little wonders, guided by their Empress, greet the world with their splendor.

Slater has been selected to sculpt the Roky Erickson 8ft High Bronze Portrait for the “Live Music Capitol of the World”, Austin, Texas! The portrait sculpture will portray Roky at age 19 in 1965 when he lead his band ‘Roky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators’. Roky is credited as being the originator of Psychedelic Rock. Fundraising is on-going for the bronze statue to honor Roky. Roky continued Rock’in until he passed away on May 31st, 2019 at age 71. It is fascinating to read about Roky’ wild ride of a life–some of it tragic, some of it inspiring, and what a comeback story! It is also interesting that Janice Joplin was once going to join his band but a friend of hers persuaded Janice to come to San Francisco, where she became famous. Slater’s client, James Traeger, also has a band and has been working with Roky’s son and his manager who are very excited about this portrait project moving forward to honor Roky’s life and musical contribution. Click the following link to learn more about this exciting sculptural project:  https://www.gofundme.com/roky-erickson-statue

Sir Seretse Khama Portrait Bust is a design Slater was commissioned to sketch in preparation for a Bronze Sculpture. The bust was to celebrate a British biographical romantic drama film that was released in 2016 named, “A United Kingdom”. The true story of Sir Khama’s marriage and his life as the first President of Botswana, Africa is fascinating history and the film was a must-see success.

Angels Among Us is a design sketch by Slater for the Incarnate Word Academy’s (IWA) new Montessori building prayer garden in Corpus Christie, Texas. Slater was asked to design a memorial to three young children (Oliver Rumley, and Andrew and Leighton McComb). Slater conferred with the children’s parents to incorporate each child’s favorite hobbies and pets. This final sketch was one of several designs created by Slater and was very much loved by the parents and client. However,  sadly the funds ended up not being available, so instead a tree and plaque were installed.

This sculptural project was for a Designer home which was built by Desert Dreams in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Slater’s client chose the name, ‘Life is a Journey, for the theme of the home.  The finished realistic and highly detailed life-size portrait bronze sculptures were installed in October, 2001 and are in a lovely meditation garden. The Portrait sculptures are under-lit and viewable through the many walls of windows in this elegant Santa Barbara styled Mediterranean home. The builder wanted a life-size bronze sculpture of a grandfatherly type figure with a grandson figure that represented their inspiring theme. Slater drew five concept sketches and presented her client with these different designs. He chose her favorite one, which is an uplifting image of a little bird taking flight from the fingertips of the grandson while his grandfather kneels by his side. Slater and her client hopes the viewer of these sculptures will share this loving moment with an appreciation for nature and the journey of life.