Marie Still Dancing After Fourteen maquette
bronze
limited edition of twelve
66 x 16 x 12 cm

I was inspired to create her - my version of the iconic Edgar Degas ballerina sculpture ‘The Little Dancer of Fourteen Years’ after finding out so little as to who Marie von Goethem really was.
Besides for the immortality gained as the model for this sculpture, her life is one of mystery and not much is recorded for us to follow through threads of poverty and difficulty of the Paris of the 1880’s.
What is certain is that Marie never did have a life as a Ballet Dancer.
Here I have honoured her, flowers at her feet, to this non-dancing dancer.
I have brought her to the stage, after fourteen, and poised her ready to turn and dance every time her heart desires. 

Marie pays tribute to every Marie who keeps dancing her life regardless of the impossibilities.

To Hope, Always.