I am in the process of working on a conceptual design of a three part WWII memorial representing a Marine Raider, Navajo Code Talker, and a War Dog with Handler.

I have so far read Navajo Weapon, Code Talker, and American Commando in their entirety, along with the chapters on WWII in the book War Dogs.  I’ve also read various chapters of Our Kind of War.  There is still much to learn, but after reading these books and looking at so many photographs I feel I have a much greater understanding of the Raiders in the pacific. It is time to start sculpting!

I wanted to share some of the amazing photographs I have found. If you happen to know of any more quality photographs of Raiders ‘in action’, please contact me since I would very much like to see them.

Below are some historic photographs of our WWII Marine Raiders fighting in the Pacific War. Many of these (*) photos are compliments of the United States Marine Corps. national archives.  I have found others online or scanned in from books. I have been collecting as many photographs of Raiders in combat and in action as I can find.

*Raider patrol on Russell Island.

OFFICIAL U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO

Photo from Our Kind of War. I circled the raider in the jungle.

*Marine raiders negotiated another stepping stone to Tokyo when they landed late in February on the Russell Islands, north of Guadalcanal.  The rubber boat–load above was prepared for Jap traps, but they found that the Japs had hastily evacuated. DEFENSE DEPT PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) 54765
By: Cpl Allan Mott

* Location: Camp Pendleton, Calif. Date: 1/43
AS SURE-FOOTED AS MOUNTAIN GOATS – These United States Marine raiders dash at full speed along narrow poles.  It’s part of their training at Camp Pendleton, California, to make them the finest combat organization in the world.
DEFENSE DEPT PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) 35206

By: Pvt D.Q. White

*Marine raiders crouch in the jungle.
OFFICIAL U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO 63165

*Guadalcanal - WW II. Marine raiders on patrol.
OFFICIAL U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO 51728

My foam armature has arrived, and I’ve built platforms for both the dog and man.

I started out by simplifying the shapes in foam, and then spreading on the clay.

Lonsdale stands 8 Ft. tall. The maquette to the right stands at 32″ high

I’ve got his jacket and vest covered with the first layer of clay.
Soon it will be time for some new tools!

fun shot: Here I am sitting on the platform where Lonsdale’s feet rest.

My letter to the editor in response to The Peninsula Gateway’s Articles:

“City right to move forward with pier statue” 2/14/2012

“Despite artistic differences, statue plan moves forward”  2/15/2012

How can it be called art if not created by an artist?

The age old question “What is art?” misses an important point. Better phrased, the real question is “How can you call it art if it was not created by an artist?”

No matter what the process used, a work of art either reflects the intent, technique, and abilities of the artist, or it is not art at all. Recently, the Gig Harbor Arts Commission requested that a maquette (small model) of the proposed Maritime Pier sculpture be presented to the city council. Members reviewed a model, computer-carved, from a historic photograph using 3D modeling software.  This fabrication technique does not reflect the spark of an artist.

The artistic merit of the model and the use of 3D technology in its fabrication was largely dismissed as irrelevant given that the maquette was “just the model”, and wasn’t the actual life size work.  In reality, the maquette IS the work of art and represents the artist’s vision, passion, and talent from which the larger sculpture is derived.  As a modern day traditional sculptor, I embrace technology and use it to enlarge my work and accurately preserve my original intent. But utilizing technology to replace artistic intent is akin to fraud and cannot be called real art.  The community and any donors to the project should be saddened to know that the alleged “legacy” sculpture was not sculpted at all.

Sincerely,

Mardie Rees
Gig Harbor Sculptor

I finished the portrait of my little flower, Jasmine. She is now two-and-a-half- years-old and growing up so fast!

La Petite Fleur

“La Petite Fleur” is inspired by Camille Claudel’s portrait of a little girl (my favorite work of hers) titled “La Petite Chatelaine.”

Side View

Here is a portrait I’ve started on of my daughter, and need to complete before she grows too much bigger. She is now two years old and I started this when she was 18 months old. Where does the time go?

Toddler portrait: beginings

Toddler portrait: a little farther along

A little farther along…

If I could just get her to sit still for me. Is that too much to ask? : )

This summer I had the opportunity to sculpt some portraits (1/2 life size) of two friends and art patrons of mine, Francois & Sharon. I started the portrait of Sharon at a demonstration I did at the Lake Oswego art festival in Oregon and it was only natural to have her make it to my studio to finish the portrait and also sculpt her husband Francois.

Sharon

Francois

Sharon & Francois

Sharon

Another view of Sharon

Bob (Papa)

Rita (Grandma)

My Grandparents, Bob & Rita Wilkins

During August my grandparents came for a visit from Houston, Texas (they so enjoyed the break from the heat). Shortly before they left I had them each sit in my studio for a few hours while I quickly sculpted their portraits. I have been wanting to sculpt them for years and didn’t want pass by the opportunity I had this time.

Rita (side view)

Real Carriage Door Company introduces the Artist-in-residence series of handcrafted doors. Rich in tradition and material, these wood doors with custom bronze panels boast an unmatched uniqueness for both private residences and public arenas.

http://www.realcarriagedoors.com/bronze-doors.php

Pictured:
Dawn and Dusk by sculptor Mardie Rees. The Art-nouveau inspired bronze panels contain the allegorical figures of Dawn and Dusk, cyclically welcoming each other as time passes in earthly rhythm. The dark tones of Mahogany give these art pieces the frame they deserve.

Dawn & Dusk were recently installed on a beautiful arched entry door built by Real Carriage Door Co. (designed by my talented husband, Jeremy Broderick) that recently shipped to New Orleans for the AIA Convention May 11-15, 2011

We are all excited to hear the reception of this beautiful harmony of handcrafted wood and rich bronze.

Before the door shipped we took advantage of a beautiful Saturday. We took the door into the woods – not an easy task beacuse the door weighed 200 lbs! Here are just some quick photos taken with my phone. The professional photos coming soon!

The logistics of getting it down a small trail and over a fallen tree trunk!

My daughter wondering what all the fuss is about!

Aren’t they beautiful?

How did the door get there!

On April 12th, I joined Stuart (Shawnigan Lake Alum 1948) & Mary Milbrad, along with their daughter Sharon (Strathcona Alum) for a trip to Seattle. We took the newly completed maquette (size 21.75 x 13.25 x 12.75”) of C.W. Lonsdale & Dog to a meeting for alumni and guests put on by Shawnigan Lake School. I had a moment to share about the process of creating the work and a little background about Christopher Windley Lonsdale. The sculpture is now in Canada on view in the office of Shawnigan Lake School. It also is taken to various fundraising events and meetings that discuss the upcoming centennial celebration!!!

Stay tuned as we approach the making of the larger than life size sculpture! Shawnigan Lake School and alumni are in the process of raising funds to complete the piece, a tribute to their founder which will sit in a prominent location on campus!

Front view

rear view