I’ve passed the “Roller Skating Girl” sculpture on so many occasions and I’ve always been drawn to it.
Maybe it’s the way she appears to be calm and effortlessly frozen in motion. It makes me think of skating freely with the wind in my face. That freedom and feel of flying.
Her clench fist shows grit and determination. Strong like many of the roller girls in our team of #CreativePeopleOnWheels.
She’s even sparked of many of a creative idea in me…. #WarningCreationzInProgress.
So who is this girl? I’ve wondered for over the years and to answer the question, and the following skate by the piece during a Black Lives Matter march past, I reached out to Anderé Wallice, creator of this sculpture and “The Whisperer” for the answer.
From André
When I contacted André, I shared my photo of myself next to Roller Skating Girl during a BLM march in London. I expressed my feeling towards the piece, and if she was (as I interpreted) possibly being of black heritage.
He responded kindly with “I’m really pleased you feel so positively toward the Roller skater especially in connection with Black Lives Matter.”
André continued
“Originally when asked to come up with ideas for the sculpture I drew on the community feel of Morton Street, the presence of the school and I wanted to introduce the notion of ‘Play’. I wanted to create a sculpture which was positive and dynamic and reflected the youth and vitality of an urban street. I wanted to represent a girl/woman with independence and attitude. The sculpture was not based on one particular person but appeared through my imagination and past experience and observations.”
Rubble
During a recent studio clear-out, André the original plaster for the Bronze cast was broken down.
Interestingly, the timely nature of this post means this image lends itself to the debate around taking down and defacing of historical monuments. Although is post is nothing more than the story of the Roller Skating Girl.
Thanks and Blessings go out to André for his thoughts and images.
#StayHumble #StayCreative #KeepItJiggy