Art - elephants

Item Description

“Pathway to Freedom” Forged steel and stone. This piece tells the story of two elephants, Maia and Guida, that for decades lived the tragic life of circus elephants. Finally confiscated by the government, their glimmer of hope for a better life was quickly extinguished. Unwanted, with no healthy options for them, they remained on the circus lawyer's farm, chained to the earth for five years. Until the end of 2016 when Global Sanctuary for Elephants, along with the help of others, rescued them and gave them the life of sanctuary at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. 

The sharp, broken radiator at the base represents the cold, harsh treatment they received as circus elephants. The two rocks represent the closeness of the elephants being embraced by the branches of the Sanctuary. The chains, uncut and unmodified, tying everything together are the actual chains that bound them for 5 years.  At the base the ends of the chain remain loose and intact to remind us that there are still animals out in the world being abused every day. The other end of the chains have broken links to symbolize the freedom of these two animals and the hope for those elephants yet to be rescued. 

This piece is 45” high by 20” x 20”.  Weight, including shipping crate, is approximately 250lbs.  

About the chains: These are the actual chains that limited Maia and Guida from walking more than 8 steps in any direction. Guida's chains are thinner and older. Being the 'good girl' she did not break her chains and instead wore the same length for a long time. They are thinned and stretched from the years of her trying to extend her world by just a few extra inches in reach. Maia's chains are thicker and have shackles on them so they could chain her at a distance. She was the 'bad girl.' Maia often wore two sets of weighty chains to keep her from escaping. These chains controlled their lives for years, but we wanted them to be part of their beautiful story of recovery and healing. This sculpture turns darkness into light and offers even this part of them a chance at rebirth.

About the sculptor:  Rob Sigafoos is a metal artist with over 30 years of experience in traditional and non-traditional blacksmithing and wood working. Among all artistic media, he says "I believe that sculpture touches the heart and soul of the artist and viewer alike. Each piece I produce represents a mood and emotion, from comforting to cathartic. Look carefully at these pieces to see the meaning within." His art is expressed in many forms - from to metal tree that forms the base and support of a spiraling staircase of wood and twisting metal, to elegant cookware and candlesticks. In each he transforms cold metal into an elegant and fluid work of art. 

Global Sanctuary for Elephants is deeply grateful to Rob Sigafoos for embracing Maia and Guida’s story, and for executing their journey from tragedy to sanctuary so exquisitely in this sculpture.  The photos at the top of this page are of Maia and Guida at sanctuary, freed from their chains at last.  

http://www.vinewoodsforge.com/

Photo credits: John Griggs, Entropic 

The online auction will be held June 5 - June 19.  For additional information, please send emails to: GSEAuction@globalelephants.com 

Item Special Note

Shipping:  This piece will be shipped from Pennsylvania to the winning bidder.  Freight charges not included.