Made by Charlie Brouwer, “Sustain” was featured in the third Art in Roanoke temporary exhibition from 2015-2016. “Atlas, in Greek Mythology, held up the planet Uranus (although there is a popular misconception that he held up the earth). To me Atlas is an image of eternal human duty and destiny to uphold, support and take care of things. A leaf is a good symbol of nature so I gave this guy a big one to symbolize the important role we all have in taking care of our natural home. All my outdoor figures are made of locust wood in a combination of natural limbs and sawn boards – a reminder that we are part nature and part our own invention.”

About the artist:
Charlie Brouwer taught art for 33 years, all the while being an active exhibiting artist. Since he quit teaching in 2008 he has been working full time as an artist. His home and studio are in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Floyd County, VA and he has a sculpture trail on the nine acres of land surrounding it. He has been increasingly turning the focus of my work towards public and community engagement art. Visit his website at charliebrouwer.com

In the temporary exhibition, Art in Roanoke from 2015 to 2016, artists were asked to blend nature with the urban for the theme “The Natural City.” The show was held in the then newly renovated Elmwood Park for about 18 months.

Sourced from:
The Natural City: ARCHIVES