I suppose it sort of depend on the subject, or brief. It would seem a shame to avoid it. there are more offensive things in the world to look at.

what about a sundial sporran novelty codpiece?

Stephen Fitz-Gerald
I think you should insist on the "real" thing.
When they threaten to withhold payment go to the press.
The amount of controversy it is likely to stir up is WAY more valuable to you in the long run as far as publicity goes than the actual piece itself...

Compromise - make him a transsexual. (grin) Just kidding!

I think Stephen is correct - go for the glory (maybe not necessarily the "morning glory", but don't wimp out with just a bulge) and fade the fallout when/if it happens. Publicity is good - all good. Controversy over artistic genitals is always an attention getter.

Rich

bpfink   Well it seems the Greek Fig Leaf option is out for this,   how about using a leaf from a Rubbarb?    That should just about cover it.

?

Well, I think your decision depends on what kind of work you want to do in the future. From an artist's point of view i say give him the real deal, but tastefully. From a the point of view of someone wanting to make a living off of public art, give him the bulge. Public art commissions are all about compromises. Compromises for safety, budget, environment, and even taste sometimes. Public art projects will almost always lean to the conservative side of an issue. Also, many of the people that make up the public art organizations/groups are politicians of one sort of another and will always go for the most widely acceptable option. These groups that commission public art projects want artists that will work with them to find the best solution for that specific project and may not want to hire a maverick that does what he/she feels like.

You have a fantastic opportunity here for excellent exposure either way, you just need to decide how you want to market your self for future projects. Slapping the junk on the giant will definitely give you props in the artistic community and a lot press(maybe not all be "good" press) and possibly pave the way to art shows or museum exhibits. The more modest approach will also give lots of press(probably all good) and give you props in the public art community leading to more public art commissions and possibly art shows and museum exhibits

I'm well aware that "compromise" and art should not go hand in hand, but the fact of the matter is that in the Public Art Domain they're fused at the hip.

Can't wait to see the final installation

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

We had already decided to sell our souls to the Wiltshire planning dept, we have neither the time or the energy for appeals. Also thought that publicity would then focus on his penis and not the whole thing, which we thought was bad. We also revisited the primary reason for Solstice which was to get noticed. We know that we can make lovely things and do well when accepted into galleries etc, having no art degree is really a hinderence. We are hoping to put the light industrial on the back burner a bit after this and be able to concentrate on our creative work. All pieces so far have been fitted in when we have the time, paying the bills has always been at the forefront. Whilst making Solstice, hes being funded by us, we are still having to take in bill paying work. The hotel owner origonally wanted to comission a giant stone man, spotted on a roundabout in Portugal , but we persuaded him to let us do our thing. Growing more confident that he will buy him as his connection to stonehenge is being made by more and more people. Hotel is about 3 miles away. If they dont buy him he is going up for auction. We also thought there would be plenty of time for diva strops when we were famous(grin). Interesting debate though, thank you for your comments.
Michelle and Andy