by Aaryn Combs

I recently had an opportunity to spend the afternoon with Mrs. Virginia Hess, painter and sculptor. Prior to this meeting, I was only familiar with her body of work, not the person. I jumped at the chance to meet her and discuss her work, including Transcendence, the sculpture Hess is donating to DSPS.

When I arrived at Virginia’s home, she informed me that she has been working on several projects, including the pending Stubbs Park Veteran’s Memorial and the bust of Charles E. Taylor.  During this visit, it became apparent how connected Virginia was to her work and the historical events that continue to influence her. We began our conversation with a walk through her home; wandering into the sunroom, light from the window began reflecting off a small bronze.

VH: I was teaching over at the Springfield Art Museum, and was doing a demo for the class. This is a reclining nude; I said that it isn’t necessary to put in every little detail. Look at the planes and get an idea of design. I picked up a piece of clay and worked that out for them. Telling them not to look at the details, look at the outside.

AC: The form as a whole.  

VH: Yes. I pitched the worked clay back into the bin and unbeknownst to me, the man who worked the kiln picked the clay out and fired it. When he gave it back to me, I was surprised. This is the bronze that was made from the original clay.