To celebrate the centennial anniversaries of these two events, and in commemoration of both artist's contributions to excellence in creating new forms of art for the world to enjoy, Mitnik will keep Rodin's unique style in mind as he creates the piece. The sculpture, simply titled “Isadora”, depicts the legendary figure, dancing in her famous Grecian tunic and flowing scarves.

“Symbolizing Isadora in the style of Rodin is an unusual challenge that I look forward to with much enthusiasm.” Mitnik said. “Isadora was more than a dancer and creator of a new dance genre. She was a pioneering feminist, thinker and activist and I'm pleased to help her legacy stay alive through the sculpture.”

Mitnik's sculptures have always mirrored his longtime interest in historic subjects that focus on the human experience and his work is prized by collectors throughout the country. Limited to an edition of only 50 sculptures, “Isadora”, while in the clay stage of production, will be offered to the public at a special pre-cast price.

Isadora Duncan was a young aspiring dancer when she first met Auguste Rodin. On the other hand, the sculptor had been long established as a great artist, ranking with the likes of Monet and Cezanne. In his 60's at the time, The mighty Rodin and the shy, young American dancer who came to Paris to pursue acceptance for her new forms of dance were drawn to each other and Isadora's visits to Rodin's studio where the master sculptor would study and sketch her image in clay became the talk of Paris. Although Rodin did many sketches of Isadora in clay, there are no known sculptures of the acclaimed dancer done by the great sculptor that exist today.

As Rodin celebrated the honor bestowed on him outside his home near Meudon on that beautiful day in 1903, he was surrounded by many friends and dignitaries. Norwegian painter Fritz von Thaulow brought his violin and began to play. To the profound delight of those present, a figure seated on the plush lawn gracefully arose, removed her frock and shoes and began to dance. With her petticoat flowing outward in the gentle breeze, Isadora, the personification of all modern dancers, performed as only she could for Rodin, the personification of all modern sculptors. The evident admiration that each artist had for the other bristled in the sunlit air and in that shining moment, all in the universe was well.

Art Brings War Into Focus

Art and war are truly conflicting words. While one inspires and promotes creativity, the other depresses and brings destruction. Can their philosophies ever intertwine? Can there be a synergy that somehow brings them together? The answers are most likely in the mind of whomever is contemplating this seemingly odd affiliation of words. One endeavor to bring man's past inclination toward war into focus through art is now in the process of being created. The new bronze sculpture by Sedona, Arizona sculptor Gary Mitnik reflects the darkness of war's oppressive consequences on the human spirit but the art also raises hope for an uplifting future, bright with human compassion and understanding.

The question, “why war?” has weighed heavy in the thoughts of men throughout history with times of great unrest bringing life into misery and despair. Always there is ...Why?

With this compelling thought in mind, Mitnik has begun work on the clay model for what will soon become the bronze sculpture titled “Prayer at Sunrise.” Seeking to bring the worrisome thoughts of war throughout time to the forefront, the work depicts a lone 18th century Sioux warrior standing high on a pinnacle which, in his belief, brings him closer to the Great Spirit. He points the Sacred Pipe skyward and asks for divine help. He asks that all people come into understanding with peace in their hearts. The prayer, in the form of smoke, drifts up and he waits and wonders if his prayer has been heard. A prayer for peace is possibly the oldest of all prayers that mankind has asked the Almighty to grant. From the time of civilization's beginnings until the times we now find ourselves in, war has baffled and bewildered our common senses. Through the ages we have continued to pummel each other in the name of sustaining peace and we ask, why? Why do some seek to afflict while others seek to cure? Why do some seek to crush while others seek to build? ...and there is no answer. We ask for war's end and there is still no answer. As we try to comprehend the implications of war, we have the opportunity to look back, through the art of sculpture, to a time long past and see how war must have affected the human race hundreds of years ago, much as it affects us today.

“Prayer at Sunrise” (Clay in progress)

The sculpture “Prayer at Sunrise” is now being offered at a special pre-cast price with 10% of all artist's proceeds from sales of the edition going to The American Red Cross. With an edition of just 30 sculptures to be cast, the work is expected to soon sell out as collectors seek to acquire this unique and poignant bronze. “When men find understanding and harmony within themselves as well as each other, then the warrior's prayer will be answered, his mind will be clear and he'll be a warrior no longer.”  -Gary Mitnik