'Touching' Bronze Works Dedicated at Crescent Bay Point

Business Wire, Feb 8, 2008

Thornsley's Sculptures Designed for Hands-On Experience with Life-Sized Forms

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. -- Terry Thornsley, a 25-year veteran artist of the Festival of Arts, has been an artist and scuba diver since he was fourteen. His fascination with ocean life is expressed in artworks like, Mariner's Memorial, Sea Rhythms and Water Puppy, sculptures and memorials that adorn parks and public areas along the Golden Coast. But, two new bronze statues, slated for dedication in early February, bring life-sized interactive art forms to Crescent Bay Point Park.

"This is the most easterly point near Laguna and has a great 180 degree view," Thornsley said. "It's a small park that neighbors and tourists go to. The two sculptures, one of a sea lion and the other of two cormorants, are called 'Laguna Locals' and are meant for public interaction."

An open competition held by the City of Laguna Beach invited artists to submit drawings of marine concepts. Because it was one of his favorite parks, Thornsley submitted sketches, which were approved by the judges. The cormorant statue is located near the outlook point where two paths converge, while the sea lion sculpture is placed in the center of a small amphitheater that faces the ocean. "This is a choice viewpoint and the artworks are located within twenty feet of each other," Thornsley states. "I chose a circular design for the sea lion to compliment the semi-circular shape of the amphitheater seating."

But, the two islands off Crescent Bay Point were what brought Thornsley's original ideas to life. "One Island is home to a sea lion colony and the other hosts ocean bird life," Thornsley said. "For years, I've gone kayaking here and taken friends on ocean excursions. Most have never been close to wild sea life. It was another reason to make these sculptures life size and touchable."

"Special care was taken to smooth the surfaces of these artworks, as well as to strengthen supports, so that children of all ages could enjoy a hands-on experience," Thornsley concludes. "I want to give back with artworks that bring images of nature close enough to touch."

Thornsley's artwork is on exhibit (and for sale to the public) at the Festival of Arts - California's Premier Fine Art Show, in Laguna Beach, from July 6th through August 30th. The Festival of Arts, a prestigious juried art exhibition, is Southern California's oldest and most respected outdoor art show. Each summer the works of over 145 accomplished artists are showcased to the public in a six-acre art haven. For more information, call 949-494-1145.