I have been battling a horrid spring cold all week. Last Thursday I thought allergies were getting to me, by Saturday evening at mass I was sneezing less and coughing more. Long saga, allergies no, nasty cold yes. I haven't had a cold for many years and this spring cold was a doozy. I had no fever but cough and hacking sputum and mucus.. One that has had me cooped up all week, drinking lots of liquid, dousing with Thera flu and napping midday like an invalid. By Wednesday I was looking for something to do inside besides reading and checking my social media. I was sorting through some old papers downstairs and found this document about a metal sculpture. I had no clue what this might be related to, but surmised I had brought it with us from CA. Nothing came to mind. What was it, why had I stuffed this piece of paper into a small woven basket?
Whatever it was had me scratching my head and looking around tge house. The only bronze sculptures I thought of were some antique pieces I inherited from my late Uncle in PA. This obviously was not one of those.
I Googled the sculptor and could find items for sale on EBAY and an art auction. Then I realized, it was the Frog! A small paperweight that has been here in our living room on the mantle ledge. A handsome guy.
What I should have done is enlarged the writing on the Certificate (left photo) to see that a Frog is indeed identified along with the number. I had glanced at this and couldn't make out the word "frog."
This took me over an hour to resolve after I went upstairs. The certificate indicates I paid $25, but today the value ranges from $95 and up. I cannot find if the sculptor is still alive. The Frog is signed on the side and numbered, it is not clear but the certificate is.
David Chesney Studios.
I still cannot recall buying this or why, but likely it was at an art show or tour. He is now more of a treasure for me. Especially because the mystery is resolved.
Right after I posted this I tried to google the sculptor again and found his obituary from 2015. Still not jogging my memory about when, why, how I bought the frog. "
Obituary David Lee Chesney
David Lee Chesney, age 59, passed on July 29, 2015 of oral cancer. He was born in Torrance, CA on August 20 1955 to loving parents Thomas Chesney and Ronna Chesney. He was a renowned bronze sculptor and artist for over 35 years. Lived in the Yuba City area for over 25 years.
