The Approach
Below the canopy of jungle sounds, the stillness of the African savannah is broken by the sound of massive hoofs swishing along the grasslands, moving forward from the hazy wooded forest background, making their approach to the nearest watering hole. This magnificent triad of African elephants advancing in "The Approach" represent the worlds largest land animal who can weigh up to 7 tons a piece. Durwood has animated the elephant's massive moving body through the play of light and shadow modeled with rich textures of varying blue gray skin color. The bulky rounded shapes of their enormous heads are accented by the large immense fan shaped ears and long flexible trunks centered and balanced by ivory tusks. The unsuspecting gazelle is a visual counterpoint in this artwork, conveying a sense of contrasting proportion in size to the landscape and approaching family of elephants. "The Approach," being one of Mr. Coffey's latest creations, explores new areas of artistic expression and technique that is highlighted by a heightened sense of dynamic visual realism and formal adventure.