Green Man with Red Birds

Green Man with Red Birds

Julia Klemek, 2006

An anthropomorphic tree featuring a man who is a nurturer and a protector of life, this sculpture was created from kiln-fired clay. Red birds make a home in his heart and one prepares to learn how to fly. The textures and surfaces of this sculpture relate to both tree bark and to the forces of wind and water.

Born in Washington, DC, ceramic sculptor Julia Klemek has lived in Southern California since 1975. Julia’s work reinterprets natural forms with imagination. Julia describes the 7-foot-tall ceramic piece as, “Part tree, part man with a heart of birds.” The artist invites viewers to use to use their own imagination to interpret the piece. “Children will be able to see the sculpture’s face when playing nearby,” Julia added.

City of Laguna Beach public art collection.