Step into a world of timeless artistry and captivating nostalgia as we proudly unveil the 2023 Featured Poster for the Waterfowl Festival. This year’s masterpiece comes to life through the brushstrokes of the esteemed painter and longstanding exhibitor, Joe Seme.

About the Artist

Hailing from New Jersey, Seme’s journey in art began in 1946. Although born in the Garden State, his heart found a home in North Carolina, where he has spent the majority of his life. His artistic journey led him down a self-taught path, culminating in his full-time commitment to painting in 1973. After two decades nestled in the North Carolina mountains, Joe now draws inspiration from the tranquil beauty of a salt marsh in Wilmington.

A Glimpse into Seme’s Artistry

Seme’s artwork transcends time, embodying the allure of bygone eras. His passion for objects with stories, like books, decoys, antiques, and collectibles, infuses his creations with a unique depth. As an avid collector, Joe curates treasures from old bookstores, cherished friends, dear family, and treasured memories. It’s within these treasures that his masterpieces take form. His still life “trompe l’oeil” paintings, capturing the essence of objects, carry the whispers of stories and memories that shape his vision.

“This is the most complicated painting I’ve done in many years. I could have simplified it a bit and saved myself a lot of work, but I just kept getting ideas. Can’t explain it. It’s just the way my artist’s brain works!”

-Joe Seme

A Captivating Sculpture Depicting the Fable of the “Crow and the Pitcher” to Be Showcased in November

Easton, Maryland – June 1, 2023 – Esteemed sculptor Pati Stajcar is set to mesmerize art enthusiasts and festival-goers alike with her latest masterpiece, “Aesop’s Fable” a playful depiction of the timeless tale of the Crow and the Pitcher. The bronze will take center stage at the highly anticipated Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland November 10-12, 2023. Stajcar’s stunning artwork serves as a visual representation of the Festival’s celebration of the region’s rich wildlife and heritage.

Now in its 52nd year, the Waterfowl Festival is a revered event which attracts thousands of visitors annually to the small town of Easton. The Festival showcases the beauty of wildlife through a juried art exhibit, brisk art sales and educational exhibits. The addition of “Aesop’s Fable” by frequent exhibitor Stajcar promises to elevate the artistic experience to new heights.

Stajcar, a renowned sculptor with a passion for capturing the essence of nature and storytelling in her work, has gained national acclaim for her remarkable talent. With “Aesop’s Fable,” she breathes life into the ancient tale, bringing it to three-dimensional reality with her impeccable skill and attention to detail. The sculpture portrays the iconic moment when two thirsty crows cleverly use stones to raise the water level in a pitcher to quench their thirst. Stajcar’s interpretation beautifully captures the determination and resourcefulness of the birds, showcasing the transformative power of intelligence and problem-solving.

“I wanted to create a piece that not only pays homage to the wisdom found in Aesop’s Fable but also resonates with the audience on a deeper level,” said Stajcar. “Through this sculpture, I aim to remind people of the importance of ingenuity and adaptability, qualities that have played a significant role in our collective survival.”

For a number of convincing reasons, the selection of the crow as the featured artwork, “Aesop’s Fable,” seems appropriate. First off, there is a significant amount of symbolism associated with crows in myths and civilizations around the world. Crows have a reputation for being intelligent and adaptable, and they are frequently linked to knowledge, resourcefulness, and problem-solving. These characteristics support the Festival’s conservation efforts while highlighting the beauty of wildlife in their natural habitats.

The bronze sculpture stands 21“ high, 27” wide and 14” deep making it an impressive sight to behold. Stajcar meticulously sculpted each feather and detail, ensuring a lifelike representation that captures the essence of the crows and the pitcher. The use of bronze adds a timeless quality to the artwork, symbolizing the enduring nature of fables and the lasting impact they have on generations. There will be two sizes available to art buyers at the Festival with the featured full-sized piece in an edition of 9 priced at $13,000 and a smaller version, (14”H x 11”W x 12” D) in an edition of 9 priced at $4100.

The Waterfowl Festival Featured Art committee expressed their delight in having “Aesop’s Fable” in the Featured Art Tent across from the Armory during the event. “Pati Stajcar’s sculpture perfectly aligns with our Festival’s dedication to showcasing exceptional art that reflects the beauty and importance of our natural environment,” stated Ann White, Chair of the Featured Art Committee. “We believe this exquisite piece will captivate our visitors and serve as a thought-provoking conversation starter on the power of stories and our connection to the animal world.”

Pre-orders for Aesop’s Fable will be taken by the Waterfowl Festival or on the Festival website. Purchasers to order directly from the Waterfowl Festival by calling 410-822-4567. The credit card charge is less if ordered directly from Waterfowl Festival, Inc. Ordered sculptures will arrive with Pati Stajcar on November 9th and be available at that time. Pre-orders are the best and easiest way to go as there will be no shipping involved. Pati lives in Colorado and will cast and transport all that she has orders for (and hopefully a few more).

Small Edition of Aesop’s Fable
14″H, 11″W, and 12″D
Bronze
Edition of 9
Price: $4,100

Pre-Orders can be placed through the website here.