Fourth Place

Sponsored by: Portrait Society of America, Ampersand Art Supply, Trekell & Co. and Savoir-faire

Gavin Gardner Laguna Beach, CA, USA Mia and the Stereoscope, resin, 48 x 24" (122 x 61 cm)

Inspiration: Gavin was inspired to sculpt this portrait of his friend’s daughter to commemorate her childhood. Another friend had given him a stereoscope with the caveat that he includes it in a future work of art. Inspired to capture the innocence of play, Gavin sculpted her in a sundress juxtaposed with doggy slippers and peering into the stereoscope—creating a moment as if she was in the middle of playing dress up and got distracted.

Artistic Path: Gavin’s early training was with Malcolm Harlow, a Washington National Cathedral sculptor and stone carver. He also has worked with the late sculptor Frederick E. Hart. After graduation from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts with a BFA in sculpture, he spent the next 15 years working on liturgical and public statue commissions. In 2015 Gavin relocated to California where he is currently completing the MFA program at Laguna College of Art and Design.