Artist: Sculptor Doug Young

What was the inspiration behind “Water Blessing?”
Almost 20 years ago (about the time I created the “Shoeless Joe” sculpture), Mayor Knox White told me he wanted a Cherokee sculpture for Greenville. I talked with Gene Norris (of the Piedmont American Indian Association — Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation) for ideas, and he suggested a Cherokee holding a bowl of water to thank the Creator for the water that gives life. About 14 years later, Greenville Water wanted a sculpture with a water feature, and the mayor suggested the Cherokee might be appropriate.

How long did the piece take to create?
The sculpture took about one year to create.

What is your favorite part of the piece, and why?
I am very pleased with the scale of the sculpture. Because  the figure is standing in an open space, I knew it would have to be larger than life. (It’s over 10 feet tall and is the largest piece I have done to date). I think the water pouring from the bowl adds another interesting dimension to the work. The landscape design and the water feature present the sculpture in one of the best settings possible.

When was the piece completed?
The sculpture was unveiled in May 2017.

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