Miracle sculpture takes shape

The statue on Gulf Bay Road is a Miracle — that is, a piece by Longboat Key sculptor Ed Miracle. It currently stands outside of his home/studio on the quiet side street near Joan M. Durante Park, where it frequently draws admirers.

The sculpture is called “Trilogy,” and in October, it will be on display at the Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in an exhibit that Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan al-Qasimi commissioned. Before moving in 1997 to Longboat Key, Miracle spent 12 years as the royal artist for the country’s ruling family.

The latest sculpture was inspired by a local tragedy: a 2006 murder-suicide on Coquina Beach. One day, Miracle was stuck in traffic and noticed a man putting up a cross where the woman was murdered.

“Because I have a daughter myself, I assumed he was the father of the girl who died,” Miracle said. “I was thinking there should be a memorial.”

The 75-year-old Key resident created “Trilogy” to remember victims of domestic violence.

The bronze sculpture took him approximately five years to complete. He made it from clay, then made a mold out of the sculpture and cast it in bronze.

The sculpture depicts a woman casting her head down, while holding up another face.

“The trilogy is who we pretend to be, who we think we are and who we really are,” Miracle said.

So why does the sculpture only have two faces?

“We never know who we really are,” Miracle said.

“Trilogy” is the second sculpture Miracle has placed outside his home and studio — both instances were due to a lack of space.

In fall 2012, his “Arabian on Horseback” sculpture stood on the property as Miracle prepared it for Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Miracle is not sure where the “Trilogy” sculpture’s final home will be — but it will not be on his lawn.

“It’s a little over the top to keep it in your front yard,” he said.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]