I got this sculpture at a recent estate sale. I think it's a repurposed bayonet, one that looks old. The famous Bible quote is hand-written on what sure looks like a manila folder, then scissored and glued to the wood base. The artist is a local guy: https://portlandopenstudios.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/robert-mcwilliams-visionary-outsider/ Two questions: 1. I want to remove the quotes on paper, as I think they make it look cheap and maybe even over-explain it. Should I? 2. Would it have been more interesting (or valuable!) as a bayonet, and, if so, does that mean there's absolutely no hope for humanity? (from the end of the 'mount', the blade is 22" / 56cm curved) Thanks! Gonna also tag @the blacksmith
After bothering to look at the article at the link you posted, I see that his pieces generally are of this punning, concept driven sort, but did not spot in any of the photos explanatory labels prominently placed. I had been going to say that if you had an eye to its future value to a collector, you should leave it in original condition. However, I am not now very sure this is the original condition, although I don't doubt the Bible verse goes with the work. Can the label be removed intact, without marring the underlying wood?
I got it at his personal estate sale (as well as other stuff), so I know it's not been added to by someone else. It's his handwriting too. The paper is pretty 'on there.' Thanks for the feedback, btw!
You know, I could probably fashion a kind of wood 'frame' to sit around the outside of the base, one that would conceal the quotes without damaging them. That might be a (literal!) work around.
I think the text should stay as the artist intended. I was just going to suggest something like that.
