THIS ITEM HAS SOLD! “Forest Gnome” Figurine by Tom Clark
Inquisitive and charming “Forest Gnome’, stands ready to assist and in quiet reverence cast his spell!
This amazing figurine is rich in detail and muted color. He is one of many many characters Tom Clark has created over the years. A full list of the characters can be seen here. http://hatteraslight.com/tomclarkcairn/tomclark.html
I provide this so you can start your collection!
From the artist Tom Clark, his comments on this 10.5” tall Gnome: "1978 was the year when I created my first Forest Gnome. Standing upright with his hands clasped behind him, he was in the classic pose associated with an anonymous forest gnome. I've seen statues and drawings of gnomes that date back over one hundred years and they all share certain characteristics: short stature, large head, full beard, medieval tunic, and tall, pointed hat (usually red). My first version was approximately 12 inches tall, with his tunic tightly stretched across his chest. Then in the early 1980's I revised the statue and reduced his size to approximately 10 inches and wrinkled his tunic a bit. The third version, in 1991, reflected my style change by being more realistic, and its height was back to 12 inches. Except for having shaved his moustache (well, Betty Crocker changes her hair style!), his pose was still traditional. Now, for 1997, this fourth version is shorter and yet has the tallest gnome hat thus far. He's grown back his moustache and in his beard you can spot at least 2 more faces than could be found in the beard of Forest Gnome '91. As the leader of the clan, Forest Gnome oversees hundreds more Gnomes and Woodspirits (who wear less traditional clothing). With his five senses that are keener than those of humans, he is a wonderful caretaker and babysitter. No wonder he is often the first housewarming gift for a new home. This Gnome is where the heart is!" Release Date: July, 1997
This Forest Gnome is the “10” 80’s” edition. His diameter base just chock full of acorns, nuts, mushrooms leaves, a tree stump, and the traditional coin for good luck (this one appears to be an authentic British coin with the image of Queen Elizabeth), is 5.75”.
I have read that the clay used in the making of these gnomes are of pecan shells, as this is a way to utilize the enormous amounts created on his pecan farm. “Each piece of the collection is individually hand cast from an original with a special blend of resins, crushed pecan shells, and wood chips”. He is solid and sturdy, not hollow.
Forest Gnomes satchel is labeled “Forest Gnome” and marked #80. It is signed on a leaf “T Clark” 1983. There is also a mark on the base that reads “Gnomes UNIEBOEK B.V”. along with a copyright symbol. I am not sure what this is about.
Clark has created approximately 1,000 unique artworks, which are reproduced for collectors in a Mooresville facility. With over 3 million collectors and 3,000 distributors, Clark is known worldwide for his wide spectrum of work, which ranges from whimsical Gnomes and Woodspirits to his exalted bronze renditions of King David, Lincoln, and Beethoven.
He is in pristine condition and has a felt bottom…or base…not bottom…now that would be just silly!
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Keywords: Tom Clark, sculptor, Forest Gnome, Gnomes, figurines, Queen Elizabeth, coin, woodspirits, nymphs, fairies, fantasy