Tulsa Needs Naked Art!

[Hometown]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Don't forget we already have a sculpture that was commissioned to be built by the oil barons back in the day.  The "Goddess of Oil" statue.  I am still hoping to get it made someday. Found out it would cost around 2,000 dollars to pay attorneys just to set up an account in order to start raising money for it.  I think it would be a great addition to Tulsa, and its art-deco and oil boom history.

You've probably told the story of the goddess before but would you be willing to tell it again?  Who has the model?  Who commissioned the goddess?  Where was it to be located?  Why wasn't it built?  You are right about the sophistication of the city then and now.  

[ttownjoe]

The outtakes from Happy Feet are not appreciated.

[NCTulsan]

I had to work alongside area-resident BJ Bullock once a month for over five years (she's mentioned in the Tulsa World link on this thread).  She is one of the most stubborn, narrow-minded b*tches I've run across in my professional career.  She was ALWAYS conjuring-up stories that had no merit ..... just to hear herself talk.

If Tulsa started installing naked art, I'll move back!

[rhymnrzn]

Statues are vain, burdensome, and whack.  They have no life in them, and if someone gave me one, I'd give it back.

[bigdtottown]

I guess the initial post was intended to criticize Tulsa for it's lack of "naked" art (a specific genre[]). Wouldn't it have been more pointed to use examples from AMERICAN cities who are known for awesome displays of "naked" art?  Saying Tulsa isn't up to par with Paris, Rome, etc. is not saying much.  I've spent a decent amount of time in Europe and there is art everywhere...not just naked, or is it "nekkid" for Okies?  Anyway, I've also seen a many, many US cities and don't really recall seeing public art at anywhere near the level of Europe.  My point is is that a LOT of US cities could do with more public (and naked) art displays...nut just us backard Tulsans.

[TheArtist]

The "Goddess of Oil" statue was originally commissioned by the bigwigs of the oil industry.  They wanted to have a permanent statue in front of the Oil Expo Building.  Each year when the International Petroleum Exposition would come to town a different driller statue would be built.  These exhibitions were a very big deal for Tulsa, It was because of them that at one time Tulsas airport was the busiest in the world over NY, London and Paris.  

These visionary oil men wanted to create a city that they could be proud of and to show the world that they had prestige and sophistication. They wanted skyscrapers, churches, homes, art, etc. that would make Tulsa the equal of the greatest cities in the US and Europe. The Goddess of Oil statue was in this vein and was intended to represent the "classical personification" of Oil.  For in that time the oil industry was booming and to the people profiting from it, oil really could be seen as a goddess.

They hired the prominent artist Clarence Allen to start work on the sculpture.  My grandmother, 19 at the time and just graduated from Central High, answered the add looking for a model. She had wanted to take art lessons and would use the money to pay for them. She had been raised in a small home with 10 other brothers and sisters, no plumbing, she knew poverty and hunger and also knew that if she wanted anything she would have to earn it herself.  Clarence hired her, and when she asked why?  He said "because you have the same measurements as Betty Grable" the number one pin-up girl of the time. She was also working 2 other jobs at the time.

My grandmother said that when she applied she did not realize she had to pose nude, but because of Allens reputation she did not feel frightened and the landlady would sit outside on the steps to make sure no hanky-panky would happen.  


Then the US declared war on Japan, everything was shelved, the war effort became front and center. The statue was put aside to be done later.  But it was forgotten about and never happened. My grandmother later worked for the FBI in Washington, then returned to Tulsa and met my grandfather a cadet and pilot at Spartain Aeronautics.

A few years ago she recieved the statue from the artist and gave it to me. She said of all the family members I was the one most likely to do something with it.  I told her I would try to get it made some day.  I know I won't be able to make it 40' tall as was originally intended, so my goal is to have it made as a one third larger than life version in bronze. There is a rich story with many facets to it that represent many threads of that time in Tulsa's History.  I think this statue deserves to find a home and be seen.

My grandmother


And Grandfather, back in the day.

[Sangria]

I love the European art.

Only a 10 year old would look at the statues and giggle. (well, and perhaps a few "here hold my beer" guys)

They are beautiful.

But, this is the bible belt and that stuff won't fly here.

[Rico]

Let TulsaNow once again take the lead... In the upcoming Newsletter lets have a fold out....![}:)]

Just a suggestion.[:O]

[rwarn17588]

Artist, as they would have said in the 1940s, your grandmother was a dish. []

[DM]

All of sudden I feel like singing:

Iny weeny teeny weeny
Shriveled little short d**k man.

Isn't that cute an extra belly button
You need to put your pants back on honey

Don't want,Don't want,
Don't want,Don't want,

[}:)][}:)] Sorry. I could not help myself.

[TheArtist]

quote:Originally posted by Floyd

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Don't forget we already have a sculpture that was commissioned to be built by the oil barons back in the day.  The "Goddess of Oil" statue.  I am still hoping to get it made someday. Found out it would cost around 2,000 dollars to pay attorneys just to set up an account in order to start raising money for it.  I think it would be a great addition to Tulsa, and its art-deco and oil boom history.

I'm sure there are plenty of art-loving lawyers in town who would take up the legal issues pro bono.

Now there is an idea I hadn't thought of.  And simple too lol.  Anyone have any ideas or connections with a possible lawyer I could plead to?  As soon as I get a tax exempt account set up I will begin calling on all my old clients and hitting them up for donations.

[deinstein]

I knew Spencer Tunick would get a plug.

Did he do it in front of the praying hands?

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by deinstein

I knew Spencer Tunick would get a plug.

Did he do it in front of the praying hands?

Yep. He took some shots over on the scenic hills so often frequented by our local media for downtown skyline backdrops(usually during "weather events") just off 14th Pl. & Peoria right behind Westervelt's atrocious mid town gated community, too.

Hope you've enjoyed this centennial moment!

[PonderInc]

Hey Artist -

Thanks so much for the story of your grandmother, "The Goddess of Oil."  Great story, and a beautiful sculpture!  I think you should pursue setting up a 501(c) and opening a bank account to raise funds.  A nice website with the story and photos shown here wouldn't hurt...  I think it would be a terrific story for the Tulsa World and/or local TV news, which would also help with the fundraising efforts.  It's a much cooler sculpture than that goofy "American" monstrosity...this one deserves to be built!  Go for it!  And let us know what we can do to help!

[Hometown]

Thanks Artist.  Great story.  In a real sense the sculpture already has been made and you have it.  Was it cast or chiseled?  Did the artist, Clarence Allen, spend his career in Tulsa?  Do you know anything else about the artist?  Is he alive?  Are there other artworks of his that you are aware of?