Bridgette Mongeon- Creative Endeavors

Digital sketches are nice when you need something to show the client. At times, it is much faster and easier to create a digital model, rather than sculpt an entire small version of a scene. For example, here is the first and second versions of my monumental sculpture— Move One Place On. Originally the table was not going to be bronze but a faux bois concrete.

Then the client asked if the characters could be bigger. So I brought them down to the ground and made them bigger. But in honesty, these are just digital sketches. Sometimes these can confuse a client. It is not what the finished product will look like, as is apparent in the final version .

Oh, and you will see that I flipped Alice and the Mad Hatter.

Only 6% of statues in the US are of real women.

Women statues UWL expert explains lack of female statues in public art in the U.S.

How is the book going? Which one?

UPDATES- THE MEMOIR "One Foot In Front of The Other: Art, Hiking, and Healing"
First round of edits from the editor. I received pages 1-71 (There are 349 pages.) I have gone through those edits and await the next patch. I love my editor Genie Rayner

Meanwhile. I have to upgrade my operating system to get In design on my computer to lay out the book. This feels like a Herculean project and scares the crap out of me. I need to make sure I get the correct operating system that will play nice with the software I purchased 6 months ago and have not been able to use and yet, the new operating system can't make everything else go p**f and cost me a fortune to upgrade other software. Say prayers on this guys.

However, with this software and the upgraded operating system, I have decided to self publish the many many books I have been sitting on, and start with the children's books. This is a very exciting endeavor.

Also directly after getting the last of the edits and setting up the book, I'll be making it into an audio book.

NEW EDITION OF 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling. For the most part, though it is a revised edition, it is pretty much a rewrite. I will have to talk to 50 artists, vendors/institutions around the world. Record those conversations, and rewrite. Technology has changed since 2015 edition. I'm excited but this is going to take some time, and without an advance I have to fit it in when i can. UGGGG!

THE BOOK THAT I HELPED MY GRANDDAUGHTER WITH
"See you In The Woods: Fun Activities For Kids." I hope it will come out when mine does in the fall, but it is off my desk and on the desk of my daughter.

I loved doing this podcast Paul Menzel and I go way back. It was so much fun, if ever they need someone to fill in - I'm your gal.

I have often been called a renaissance woman. but here I'm called a polymath. Hmmm I was delighted. If you want to just get to my interview then scrub through to about 13:00 The podcast is called New Tricks for Old Dogs.

I'm also delighted that they asked me to be a regular contributor doing some small segments like Kathleen O'Brien, in this segment. love the idea. Let me know what you think.

In this segment talks about:
Hiking
The 3D tech book
Sculpture process
Grandma Gatewood
The Alice in Wonderland Sculpture
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Houston Women's Hiking Group
My memoir

‎New Tricks for Old Dogs: Episode No. 132: "You're dead when we say you're dead." on Apple Podcasts ‎Show New Tricks for Old Dogs, Ep Episode No. 132: "You're dead when we say you're dead." - Jun 26, 2024

I have been knee deep in trying to get publicity on this project that I am working on- a Sculpture of Grandma Gatewood. I have been in contact with the media, and doing podcasts so you may see a lot of that on this feed in the coming weeks. Here is one that hit today. PBS radio in Ohio.

Remembering Ohio’s Appalachian-Trail-hiking grandma Emma Gatewood became the first person to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955 at the age of 67. She’s buried in southeast Ohio, where there’s now an effort to memorialize her gravesite.

I'm doing research on many different artists using 3D. It is for my new edition of "3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling. " you may see my feed explode with things that interest me and that I need to research further. I'll put some in the comments below.

3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling

I have watched in absolute amazement over the years as Sabin Howard did this artwork- in 4 years. This artist is one of the best in the world.

WHAT IS ART? by Sculptor Sabin Howard Master Sculptor Sabin Howard discusses art. Sabin Howard is the sculptor of A Soldier's Journey, a 58' bronze relief that will be the sculptural heart of the...

Remembering 3D scanning for Booker T.

Booker T. Washington Sculpture:Scanning Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon works with Tom Claus from Flowserve scanning company and Lex Bocanegra a student at UT Arlington to scan a small sculpture of Book...

because I'm knee deep in research from time to time I come across some fun stuff. Check this out on when AI goes wrong.

AI Weirdness The weird side of artificial intelligence.

I'm redoing my book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling.

https://www.amazon.com/Technology-Fine-Art-Craft-Exploring/dp/1138844330

No it is not just a copy of the old book. It is technology and I'm knee deep in research and writing. It is a spider web of learning, one thing leading into the other. Here is how the last few days have gone.

3d scanning advances - searching for art

LiDAR how this works with 3D scanning and is influencing our art and world.

Ai, (get your panties out of a twist) how ai, influences the accuracy and possibilities with 3D and our world. I'll also go into the copyrights, ethics and responsibilities, but that is another chapter.

Machine learning and how that plays into the above and fine art

Parametric Design- and the influence in art

Biomimicry - a topic that I love but don't know why or what is happening with it until I get deeper.

Generative Design

I guess you will be "following me down this rabbit hole" in my posts about the research for the book. Probably very appropriate as I'll be using my own work of Alice in Wonderland as we move through the processes.

curiouser and curiouser

3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling

Searching for 3D scanning and art. Came up with this.

GHOST CELL - TRAILER Ghost cell 3D Paris scan / more : http://www.antoinedelach.com/GHOST-CELL A la fois film scientifique, documentaire et balade onirique, Ghost Cell est une plongée…

research for the book. Exploring 3D scanning leads to Lidar, and makes me wonder, besides ai and lidar and all that is happening with it, is anyone creating art? YEP!

Artistic Views of the World's Rivers and Deltas Created Using Lidar Data [Interview] ”Being able to visualize rivers in ways that they have never been seen before is incredibly satisfying.“

Did you know that Coulson Tough was influential in Galveston as well? I'd love to get another one of these sculpture of mine of Mr Tough on a bench and have it exhibited in Galveston as a permanent sculpture. Here is press on that. https://creativesculpture.com/coulson-tough-sculpture-for-the-woodlands/

I'm delighted to be speaking with my daughter and granddaughter. We are a family of speakers.

Lots of press on the installation of my sculpture of Coulson Tough. This was back in December

Howard Hughes Honors Coulson Tough With Life-Sized Sculpture at Namesake Elementary – Conroe ISD THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – (December 8, 2023) – Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. hosted the unveiling of a life-sized bronze, interactive sculpture of the late Coulson Tough by award-winning Houston sculptor Bridgette Mongeon Thursday. Honoring the memory of The Woodlands community leader and art advocat...

Thanks to the Leader for the article on the sculpture

Booker T. Washington High School receives new statue by Garden Oaks sculptor A school in Houston Independent School District recently received a historical bronze sculpture, a testament to our community’s rich history and shared pride. Houston Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon, known for her

Recently installed the monumental Booker T Washington at the school. Here is a blog post on that https://creativesculpture.com/houstons-new-booker-t-washington-sculpture/

Someone sent this to me. Sorry for the repetition on my feed . Guess it is media week. 📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/odn/houstonchronicle/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=HHC%2F2023%2F12%2F12&entity=Ar00300&sk=2611F551&mode=text&fbclid=IwAR3K6JvQ2WEzgHlgovXND8iJcSqSWSOsbycxh5W_5LyfXaKGFtonCT9b_1M_aem_AYHu6e5t0_lbTbop-egRHrr4TO-DkHlOEl9lL6j0H9Edb9YkTt4JJ-JAZQeIvMTU8Q8 #

Woodlands builder Tough gets sculpture - Houston Chronicle, 12/12/2023 A sculpture of Coulson Tough, the architect of The Woodlands and a friend of founder George Mitchell, was unveiled Thursday morning in a ceremony at the elementary school named after him.

An article in Conroe ISD 📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.conroeisd.net/howard-hughes-honors-coulson-tough-with-life-sized-sculpture-at-namesake-elementary/?fbclid=IwAR069znxRO5SEPSLqeOvHDo71GllDAAfZWSUWGN7hp-wlefo3v-ecwxY8a8_aem_ASsLA4Xgr-X9nvgBOOPYDHRJFgabA6uEBHR74IzFPvpmeaXtTns9J26ivWu4oLKSLdA

Howard Hughes Honors Coulson Tough With Life-Sized Sculpture at Namesake Elementary – Conroe ISD THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – (December 8, 2023) – Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. hosted the unveiling of a life-sized bronze, interactive sculpture of the late Coulson Tough by award-winning Houston sculptor Bridgette Mongeon Thursday. Honoring the memory of The Woodlands community leader and art advocat...

recent press on the Grandma Gatewood. Local. Thanks Leader Newspaper.

Bridgette Mongeon: Sculptor, hiker, and inspirational force Many in the outdoor world are familiar with the remarkable story of Grandma Gatewood, the woman who, at 67 years old, embarked on a solo thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail

https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/Evelyns-Park-in-Bellaire-TX-Alice-in-Wonderland-Mad-Hatter-Tea-Party

Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire, TX: Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Sculpture One item that makes Evelyn's Park in Bellaire, TX, unique is the fantastic sculpture of Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter Tea Party.

We have a new project in the studio. I'm so excited about this. It is a sculpture of Grandma Gatewood. If you don't know who this incredible woman is you can check her out at www.grandmagatewood.com

Grandma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail solo. She did this in 1955 at the age of 67. After raising 11 children, she left an abusive husband and, "went for a walk." That was 66 years ago, and now she is coming home.

If you know me at all you know that I am involved with Houston Women's Hiking Group and encouraging women to "take a hike!" So you can imagine how excited I am with this project. One will go on her gravesite in Ohio, and the second will go somewhere near the Appalachian Trail.

Many Women from Houston Women's Hiking Group have been helping me to work through a pose, collect period gear, and put a pose together for a client to approve.

When you present something to a group or client it is often difficult to get them to understand, this is just a sketch, it is only meant to give me direction for a pose.

Follows, my response to the great granddaughter.

Please note that the image you see is a rough sketch from which we can move forward. Not an exact replica of the sculpture or Grandma Gatewood.

I don't think people would see or recognize this pose I'm proposing, because all the images of her from the past that you see throughout history are standing still. Those images feel like she is actually posed for a photograph. I can almost hear the photographer say, "Grandma Gatewood, look here."

My feeling is that these poses for Grandma Gatewood, these type of photographs were at first fun and exciting to have taken, but my gut tells me that she most likely, later, felt like they were an inconvenience. I'm sure, after time, she felt irritated by having her solitude of the trip interfered with and interrupted by those always wanting photographs or interviews.

Therefore, for this image of Grandma Gatewood I wanted a more natural pose for her. A pose as if someone were a squirrel watching this woman move through the woods. A pose in motion, a pose on the trail. A pose in a place where she spent so many hours. A pose that most people, except perhaps hikers, would not recognize.

My goal as a hiker and a sculptor was to give it more action, to show the process of hiking which she spent so many hours doing.
* There is also a feeling of "stepping forward," which to me also symbolizes her stepping out of her past life and into this life of peace and adventure.
*It is a step into going into the woods, and letting the woods heal her emotionally and physically. This I know very well, and it is the reason why this sculpture is so powerful and resonates with me as a woman and a hiker. It is why I work so hard with Houston Women's Hiking, because there are so many women who need that encouragement to take the first steps, to find a life and to heal in the woods.

I can't wait to stand on the pathway of this bronze sculpture, with Grandma Gatewood, my hiking poles in hand, and let her lead the way, as she has done for so many women.

This is not an exact likeness Grandma Gatewood- it is a sketch . This is a woman in similar period clothes that I purchased off of the internet. The woman is not intended to resemble Grandma Gatewood's face. We will be working on that in the maquette, digital model and or life size sculpture, see below. We can work with the hair, glasses etc, as we move forward. So the sculpture has these traits.
* her sewn pack
* similar Shoes
* period canteen.
* Period Shirt and man's pants
* A hiking pole
* Hair pulled back in a low bun- no scarf or hat

Glasses in Bronze
The glasses may be a challenge as many of the glasses she had were rimless or looked rimless, Of course we can't do that in bronze, but we will work with a way to create glasses for Grandma Gatewood that will work in bronze and still look like her.
THE PROCESS
The process is is extensive and requires lots of approvals.With multiple client approvals
APPROVAL OF POSE
If we have an approval of a pose, then I can move forward sculpting a smaller version of the piece. This person does not resemble Grandma Gatewood though she is her height as is depicted to me by the client. One of the Women from Houston Women's Hiking Group posed for me in clothes so I could get the feeling for the folds, each element the stature. etc. It is just an approval of the direction of the movement and pose of the piece. We get this approved to know what direction to go with the sculpture.

From here there are two ways of going forward.
1. traditional sculpture life size to bronze casting here is a webpage that shows that process https://creativesculpture.com/process/preparing-to-sculpt/
2. digital model to bronze casting- I have done this process before on Cesare Chavez and a portion of the Coretta Scott King sculpture. I have a life size man going through this process now.
Let me explain them both

Traditional- with some digital Example 1.
First there is the approval of pose. Then I sculpt small maquette
Once that is done the client provides a second approval of small maquette or digital model. I can sometimes create a 3D scan of maquette to get it into a digital model and sculpt in the computer enhancing some details. If I feel I can make changes to the maquette easier on the 3D scan, digitally, I do that and then have the client approve digital 3D model.

In this traditional process my vendors enlarges the sculpture to life size using (CNC) Computer Numerically Controlled milling in a urethane foam. That foam acts as an armature for me to sculpt on life size.
It takes months for me and my team to sculpt the life size- Upon completion of that life-size there is a Third approval by you of this clay sculpture life-size.There are no approvals after this step, so all changes must be done here.
It then goes through the mold making stage and foundry casting as I monitor the process
There are no approvals while in metal. That third approval is the final and we will do whatever changes necessary there.
The sculpture will not proceed to bronze unless you have signed off on the sculpture in this third approval.

Traditional- with some digital Example 2.
Much of this second example is the same as the first. The difference is we can cut out a lot of the process on the back end, of mold making, wax to bronze casting saving time and perhaps money.
First there is approval of pose so I have a direction to go.
Then I sculpt the small maquette just as in example 1. I create a 3D scan of maquette to get it into a digital model and sculpt in the computer. Sometimes I feel I can make changes to the maquette easier digitally, similar to Example 1. I will require a Second approval of small maquette or digital model. There are no approvals after this step, so all changes must be done here.

This 3d model then goes directly to the foundry and they make this digital model into a life-size bronze as I monitor the process
I do not know which of these processes I am going to go with for Grandma Gatewood. I want to find out pricing on both which I can only do after I get a maquette and a digital scan, and we know the placing of both sculptures so we know how to create the bracing on which she will be mounted. We are in the process of deciding on where on the AT she will go.

Please consider donating to this project and sharing about it so that we can raise enough funds for two sculptures. The GoFund Me for this project can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/grandma-gatewood-tribute-statue

I’ll have to get .3d.artist to say what exactly he is doing here. It has to do with capturing something for a 3d model of this coin.

If you are a member of the check this out. Summer night every Friday in July and august. Truly it is hard to believe that I left my own art studio and went to the museum instead of the woods for a hike with . So blessed to have this many projects, but it keeps me busy. Still going there was so refreshing and loved that it was free- only thing I didn’t like was not being able to find parking for my van.

I’ll try to make more of them and maybe keep my eye on the movie playing as that is free at this event. Must figure out parking . Good marketing job .

I’m a magnet but a - I’ll join when there is a show I really want to see, so in that place it has been on again off again. Then there was Covid. So, I’ll be renewing my membership and trying to make more of an appearance to these things.

Sometimes my hands don’t go into clay. They work digitally.

Lots of wax clean up on the blueprint to go with my sculpture of the man on the bench

The sculpture for and goes into the dil. Estimated time of completion? Sep/oct

When google says your book has been cited and you have no idea what the journal article is because you can’t read the language-

So proud of this book.