Calvin Russell obituary
 My friend the sculptor Calvin Russell, who has died aged 49 of cancer, had a maverick streak that encouraged him to embark upon a series of art stunts in the late 1990s. It had been his ambition to exhibit at the Tate, and in 1997 he managed to get past security with a small bronze sculpture, titled Iron Man, tucked into his coat along with a plinth disguised as an easel. He had planned the operation with the bravado of a bank heist, practising until he could assemble the whole thing in less than 20 seconds. He set up the piece alongside works by Rodin and other great masters, where it remained on display for around half an hour before it was discovered. Calvin was banned from the Tate thereafter, but took great joy from the experience, merrily conducting interviews with a succession of journalists from the national press in his local pub afterwards. For his next trick he filled a row of parking spaces on a street in Mayfair with sculptures and created his own private view complete with wine, canapes, a bustling crowd of art enthusiasts and toy cars parked in each space. Again the media took notice. Calvin was born in Thurso, in the north of Scotland, but grew up in East Sussex and in Valencia, Spain. He was gifted and entirely without pretension – the visual arts were second nature to him. He studied sculpture at the City & Guilds of London Art School, graduating with first class honours and effortlessly producing exquisite pieces with a confidence that other artists could only wish for. He was influenced by Dalí, baroque sculpture, and the surrealists. His work was primarily figurative, with a strong tendency towards abstraction and often with an acerbic sense of humour. Calvin was eccentric, witty, always charming, and the beating heart of any social occasion. He did not seek popularity but was loved by many. He was also a wonderful father to our son, Clay. Calvin lived for many years in Spain, and relished the relaxed lifestyle. Sadly, in 2005, his promising career was thwarted when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. His talent was not given the recognition it deserved during his lifetime, but he was a legend among those who knew him. He is survived by Clay and by his mother Marion, father JV (James) and three brothers, Sean, Alan and Cesar. theguardian.com © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds |
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