Neek sez:
My sister, Sar gave me a book years ago called “Weird California”. I thought it was a great title for a book considering I have always thought that California was a little off. Anyways, it’s also inspired me to go out and find some of the strange, unique, creative and “weird” stuff that I have a tendency to be attracted to. The Giant Cement Statues of Auburn, California is definitely one of them.
A series of nude concrete sculptures were created by a dentist named Dr. Kenneth Fox. He was completely self-taught and began building the massive statues in the late 1960’s when he was in his 40’s. At the time, he was assisted by two of his three high school aged sons.The enormous artwork pieces were inspired by characters in Greek Mythology.
Amazon Warrior
Chains of Bondage
Freedom of Prayer
Amazon Archer – 42 feet (12.8 meters) tall and 120 tons (108.86 metric tonnes)
Most of the works are located in front of his former dental office. When the sculptures were first displayed, the local townspeople didn’t care for the nudity in the artwork. They also didn’t like it that the local school bus full of kids traveled through there. So they re-routed the school bus and probably tried to get them removed.
Eventually, the residents recognized the artistry of Dr. Fox’s work and even commissioned him to create a statue of Claude Chana who discovered gold in the foothills of the Sierra in 1848. The non-nude statue is at the front entrance of the town off of the Interstate 80 Highway.
It was an amazing experience to view these enormous statues and wondered what inspired Dr. Fox to create them. I’m inspired by reading all of our fellow bloggers amazing posts – their adventures, observations, politics, recipes, and thoughts on anything that comes to their mind. What inspires you?
Lex and Neek 
Wow, I can’t believe they re routed the school bus because of art!!! Interesting. 🙂
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Yes, we were laughing at that one! Thanks for commenting.
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👍🏼😊
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Wow. Self-taught. That’s amazing!
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To think that a dentist could nurse such a passion for art! Here one of my cousins would pack me a wallop.
I am inspired by everyday stories of ordinary people, you and I, and nature 🙂 xx
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Yes, passion enables people to do wondrous things! I’m often fascinated by stories of the hidden talents of individuals who find the courage and inspiration to express themselves in such creative ways. Life is really too short to be caught up in the what if’s. Sending you my best – BTW talking about hidden talents, your blood orange brownies are a foodie’s dream! – Neek 😉
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I got to admit that these statues don’t really inspire me. Maybe because I didn’t see them in real life? But I did, as usual, enjoy the post.
x The Captain
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Aye Captain! I understand thee but I find that a dentist took upon himself to be creative albeit in an unusual manner makes me inspired to take a risk and find what treasures may lie in my soul. Thankee for reading the post!
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Four stories tall! He had a lot of creative energy left over, after doing all those root canals! I’m thinking that concrete was already looking weathered, and fearing those impressive statues will not be around as long as they could be.
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