Frank Flemming 1940-2018

Birmingham artist Frank Fleming passed away yesterday. I was privileged to know him as a neighbor back in the 90. He would walk up and down Saulter Road in his shorts and floppy hat, and give me a wave. In 2010, I spent some time with him,  and he graciously allowed me to photograph his studio, housed in his home. He was a humble, kind and gentle man. He will be sorely missed but his magical creatures located all over this city will always be a reminder of his creative spirit.

Centerpiece

When you walk into the beautiful Alys Stephens Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, this Frank Fleming sculpture welcomes you.  I heard the marvelous Alabama Symphony there last Friday night.  This is the perfect venue for our outstanding orchestra!

House Guests

Birmingham sculptor Frank Fleming's studio is in his lovely home and aside from being able to see his works in progress, there is the added delight of seeing much of his sculpture displayed throughout his home and gardens.  These gentle creatures seemed quite at home!

Boys Will Be Boys

Spitting contest.  

Frank Fleming's storytellure sculpture fountain, Five Points South

A Walk Through the Artist's Garden

A few weeks ago I took you into Birmingham sculptor,  Frank Fleming's studio here.  Today we go out back to have a stroll through his garden.  Not your usual Birmingham garden,  because Frank has added a few of his pieces to make it more magical.  He's quick to tell you he is a "country boy, raised on a farm".  His love of the earth, plants, and of course art is evident here.

In the Artist's Studio

A few weeks ago I posted some photographs of Birmingham sculptor Frank Fleming here. I promised you many more, so today we take a trip to Frank's studio. Frank is known for his large metal pieces often depicting flora and/or fauna , so I was shocked to see that he works in a small room in his home. I was fascinated by his work table where he crafts his wax molds. The first ( well maybe the second?) step in the creative process. Next time, some of his finished work!

UPDATE: I have chatted with Frank recently and he tells me that is a turtle shell that he is using for a mold.

And earlier post featuring his wonderful fountain in Five Points is here.

Wax molds of his famous figs!

Cookin' With Frank!

Frank's small baby heirloom okra grown from family seeds that date back 40 years

OK, I must share what a great day I had on Saturday. Daughter Melissa and Rose Nguyen have a small food co-op called The Rose Bowl. They cook meals twice weekly but are now offering some really fun cooking classes. Saturday, internationally renowned Birmingham sculptor, Frank Fleming made a return appearance to share his old family recipe for pickled okra. Several weeks ago Frank led a fig preserves class and he was a hit. After the group of 7 finished their work, we enjoyed prosecco with chevre and fig preserves on sliced baguette. Refreshed, we all loaded up and adjourned to Frank's home to tour his garden, his studio and ohhed and ahhed over his work. (More photos from that coming soon.) We ended the day with a delicious lunch back at Melissa's home and enjoyed lingering at the table after for good conversation. A great day.

The Storyteller

If you've ever been to Five Points South , you've seen this fountain. This piece, along with various other animals, titled The Storyteller, transformed an ordinary fountain into something very special. The artist is one of Birmingham's most talented sculptors, Frank Fleming. It caused a stir when it was installed but I think everyone's calmed down now. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Frank. He lived only a block from me for many years. I chatted with him a few times as he walked down Saulter Road with his big straw hat on. What a kind and gentle man he was. I regret that he moved from my neighborhood before I got a chance to visit his studio and see his wonderful gardens. A very talented man and I am proud to have met him.

I'm still in Paris but am posting here for a few days before I turn it over to another Birmingham photograper!