Scalloped Submarine - Chandler Davis

The Art - As a sculptor I have made a variety of larger-than-life shells. The process has taken me on a journey through time and space, from the primordial origins to the high-tech present. In conjunction with a display of my shell sculptures I toured the National Marine Fisheries Laboratory on Rogers Avenue in Milford and learned that it is the only facility in the country that farms scallops. One of Simon Lake's original submarines is located not far from the lab. I decided that, as a combined symbol of these two historic Milford endeavors, I would cover the sub with shells from scallops that had been raised in Milford. Scallops have had a symbolic influence in disciplines as varied as architechtural design and fine art. The fleur de lis has been attributed to the design of the scallop. Botticelli's Venus rises from a scallop shell. St. James is traditionally depicted holding a scallop as a symbol of the penitent's journey. It was my intention not merely to decorate but to signify these many symbolic expressions. - Chandler Davis

The Artist - Chandler is an award winning sculptor whose most recent work has involved the creation of several larger than life shells. He started his caceer as an artist in residence in Norwalk, CT and has exhibited at several venues in the metropolitan area, including the Silvermine Guild, the Washington Square Windows Gallery in Manhattan and Art-X Gallery in Stamford. In addition to creating submarine sculptures he has been working on a film, The Shell Maker, a docudrama of the shell's journey through contemporary society.