• created 2009
• carrara petacchi marble & granite
• 41”H x 20”W x 9”D (104cmH x 51cmW x 23cmD)
• private collection, Omaha, NE, USA

“Andromeda” had its gestation at Studio SEM in Pietrasanta, Italy when Michael Binkley was working there in September, 2008. It was a period of time where he was completely free to explore creative ideas while carving under the Tuscan sun.

Binkley purchased a block of Carrara marble from the Petacchi quarry that was rather narrow to its heigh and width. Binkley was inspired to create a composition that had mirror imagery, but asymmetrical so that the sculpture could stand. He began with two sickle shapes and introduced curves that would connect the two.

The result was an abstract form that looked like some sort of alien monster and that in turn led his imagination to his love for ancient Greek mythology. Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, but was saved from death by Perseus riding on the winged horse, Pegasus. This sculpture’s curves and edges remind one of a fictitious pouncing monster , a cowering female, a hero swooping in to rescue and graceful wings. So Binkley titled the piece “Andromeda.”

The white marble has a silky smooth matte finish that is wonderful to the touch and gives the marble the ability to successfully hold shadow. It is mounted on a charcoal grey granite base for contrast and is secured with a hidden steel pin. The grain and striations of the marble follow the vertical forms of the composition and add a sense of chaos.