World renown bronze sculptor Victor Issa, co founder and president of the Loveland Sculpture Invitational Show and Sale in Colorado, has been embraced by one of America’s largest and classic festivals; The Renaissance Faire. One of the most lauded figurative sculptors in America today, Victor is known for his remarkable ability to make bronze appear life-like, with his masterful detail and soulful work.
The first Renaissance Faire reportedly dates back to 1839, yet became most popular in America during the mid nineteenth century. According to Wikipedia, a Renaissance Faire, or Festival, is an outdoor weekend gathering, usually held in the United States, open to the public and typically commercial in nature, which emulates a historic period for the amusement of its guests. It adds that Renaissance fairs generally include an abundance of costumed entertainers, musical and theatrical acts, art and handicrafts for sale, and festival food.
Most Renaissance Faire’s are set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, yet some are held earlier, during the reign of Henry VIII. In some cases, the Faire’s may expand their festival to other time periods such during that of Vikings or pirates. One of America’s most legendary and popular Renaissance Faires, ‘The Original Pleasureland Renaissance Faire,’ discovered the artwork of Victor Issa and reportedly were immediately drawn to the power and beauty of his creation “The Jester” which embodies the spirit of these times.
America’s top ranked Renaissance Faire’s found in the link here below will occur consecutively, and the sculpture of “The Jester” by Victor Issa will travel from one show to the next, visiting all three throughout the year. “The Jester” is majestic, and a life-size form. With the deep bow that he plays, he measures 62″ H x 32″ W x 38″ Deep. According to the artist, “The Jester” has a special meaning to its creator and will fit in perfectly at the celebrations. Victor Issa states, “The Jester depicts the joys of life through performance. The hours of dedication applied to perfecting our talents and skills can inspire and uplift others around us.
In the end, the Jester shows us how to receive gratitude with grace and a big smile.” With the nature of the Renaissance Faire’s existing to entertain, enliven, educate, and fulfill, “The Jester” will certainly be right at home in the spirit of these exciting events. Concerning the creation of the piece, Victor Issa further states, “As always, I work from life. It took me several months to locate the ideal male model for this piece, a dancer from Fort Collins, Colorado. And the sculpting process,” he adds, “took about six more months to complete.”
In Renaissance times, it was only the Kings’ Court Jester- who was appointed to delight him and remind him of his being human- who was permitted to speak openly to the King and even be critical of the royal. With that, “The Jester” represents not only laughter and life, but also humanity and freedom- things very dear to the artist and the spirit of the Festival.
Begun in 1963 in Agoura, near Malibu, to create “living history” for schoolchildren and their families, the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has grown into an annual interactive playground and gallery for over 200,000 participants and guests. It has given birth to an industry nationwide and this year is expected to be more fun and exciting than ever. Since its inception, more than 5 million people from around the world have visited Southern California’s famed Renaissance Pleasure Faire, averaging approximately 20,000 each weekend.
Victor has been sculpting for nearly three decades. His works have been featured in shows and exhibitions across America since 1985. Victor’s sculptures are displayed in private and public collections worldwide. Active in the fine arts community, Victor is honored to have “The Jester” featured in one of America’s largest celebrations of art and culture- The Renaissance Faire. For more information about the Faire’s and the artist Victor Issa, please visit:
http://www.renfair.com/index.asp
Tel: 1-800-720-4772
