Cor Vitae

Michael Anderson · Nov 4, 2023

I carved this in three layers. The first layer, I carved grooves on every growth ring to represent our numeric age. The second layer is fine texture that overlays everything to represent wrinkles, stress, and the general passage of time. The third layer is a series of deep scars to represent dramatic life events. I ebonized the heart to represent the end of life. Including the stand the piece is 8" tall, 6" wide, and 3.5" deep.

Here are some alternative views:

Paul May · Nov 4, 2023

Terrific details in both explanation and execution Michael.

Bill Boehme · Nov 4, 2023

Outstanding work on both the turning and the photography. As I inch closer and closer to octogenarian status, I am feeling a kinship towards Cor Vitae.

Vincent Vogel · Nov 4, 2023

Nice job, this would make a good follow along project.

Michael Anderson · Nov 4, 2023

Thanks a lot guys! Bill, I don't know if I should laugh or weep. It's morning by morning for me. Vince, I do have a heart project in mind that would work well. Good idea!

Dean Center · Nov 5, 2023

This is very well done and thoughtful, Michael, but I don't know if I 'like' it. Just yesterday, I was thinking that at this point, every year I can tell I am less capable than the year before. It happens to all of us, but so slowly we don't notice, until this point in life when we can tell. And can no longer deny it. You've captured much of this in your piece, when you shouldn't yet have understanding of it--you're too young and have a growing family to occupy your heart. So, nice work, but go play with your kids and stop thinking about such things until decades from now.

Russ Braun · Nov 5, 2023

Excellent piece Michael plus a great description of your thought process! I love the heart and your treatments on it, outstanding comes to mind. The spoon is……maybe to erect. I wonder if it had a slight curve to mimic the heart. It just kind of looks like it’s there, an addition. I do like the metal add and the use of the magnet. The base is growing on me by the minute. This would make a great follow along project!

Russ Braun · Nov 5, 2023

Dean Center said:
This is very well done and thoughtful, Michael, but I don't know if I 'like' it. Just yesterday, I was thinking that at this point, every year I can tell I am less capable than the year before. It happens to all of us, but so slowly we don't notice, until this point in life when we can tell. And can no longer deny it. You've captured much of this in your piece, when you shouldn't yet have understanding of it--you're too young and have a growing family to occupy your heart. So, nice work, but go play with your kids and stop thinking about such things until decades from now.

It’s a great understanding to have as a young man; it won’t (or will) matter physically in the long run but the awareness has got to help at some level. I’m betting that Michael doesn’t front burner this thought but it’s nice to see the expression through his artwork!

Michael Anderson · Nov 5, 2023

Thanks Dean and Russ for the thoughtful comments.

Russ, I agree 100% about the spoon. I wanted to have it curving the other way initially so that the curve followed the heart, exactly right. But the way that the ridges were oriented didn’t work well with the magnet I epoxied on. I had to grind away material for a flat surface, and I would have had to grind through the spoon handle if it was the other way. I’ll eventually have another base for this one and others, but I just needed to work something out. Put the scraps to good use haha. And, you sort of inspired me for this piece a bit with some of our previous conversations. Embarrassingly, I still haven’t come close to finishing the book. Eventually…

Dean, you’re right about your advice. I DO try to focus on the family and positive aspects of life. I don’t necessarily see this piece in a negative light. It’s just the reality of life. Ever since I became a father I tend to think pretty deeply about how things impact me, and how they will impact my kids’ lives. I ponder but don’t dwell.

Russ Braun · Nov 5, 2023

Michael Anderson said:
Thanks Dean and Russ for the thoughtful comments.

Russ, I agree 100% about the spoon. I wanted to have it curving the other way initially so that the curve followed the heart, exactly right. But the way that the ridges were oriented didn’t work well with the magnet I epoxied on. I had to grind away material for a flat surface, and I would have had to grind through the spoon handle if it was the other way. I’ll eventually have another base for this one and others, but I just needed to work something out. Put the scraps to good use haha. And, you sort of inspired me for this piece a bit with some of our previous conversations. Embarrassingly, I still haven’t come close to finishing the book. Eventually…

Dean, you’re right about your advice. I DO try to focus on the family and positive aspects of life. I don’t necessarily see this piece in a negative light. It’s just the reality of life. Ever since I became a father I tend to think pretty deeply about how things impact me, and how they will impact my kids’ lives. I ponder but don’t dwell.

FYI, there is no finishing this book; we just keep adding chapters!!

Cor Vitae

Michael Anderson

Paul May

Bill Boehme

Vincent Vogel

Michael Anderson

Dean Center

Russ Braun

Russ Braun

Michael Anderson

Russ Braun

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