For artists and makers, the entertaining, informative, and inspirational story of a public art sculptor. The indefatigable Nancy Schön is best-known for her iconic Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the Boston Public Garden. Based on Robert McCloskey’s book, visited by many thousands of children and adults every year, it has become as familiar and beloved a Boston landmark as the swan boats and the gold dome of the State House.
Now Ms. Schön tells the story of how the ducks came to Boston (along with the multiple political, artistic and personal challenges involved) as well as her other major public projects and commissions: how they came about, and who, and what, inspired them. She explains what goes into making a beautiful and tactile work of public art, from the wax maquettes to the casting in bronze, from dealing with budgets and logistics to the diplomacy required for dealing with public places and elected officials. Her story offers encouragement to anyone trying to express themselves, Her story demonstrates that drive and determination can overcome any roadblock and produce remarkable results.
A dual sense of joy and vitality pervades the pages, an impulse to create pieces that people, particularly children, can physically engage with, sit upon, and climb around.
—The Boston GlobeFans of your sculptures will be glad to have it and many artists will find it inspirational. David Godine did his usual elegant job, too. It’s one of those books that you want to hold in hand the minute you see it.
—Leonard Marcus, children’s book critic and author