This unknown street musician looks up from his set. Is his glance a silent plea for a tip, a glare at scoffers or an acknowledging nod to applause? His crusty ol' high-pitched voice reveals the answer as he scolds a young'en. "Riverboat fare. That's what them tips get me. Tips ain’t for food. I can catch my own food. An’ stop that scowling, it's my life. I'll live it my own damn way." Then with a twinkle in his eye he turns his head, winks at me, and whispers, "It's risky! I likes it that way!"

My inspiration:
Homelessness is not always helplessness. The model for this sculpture is homeless by choice. He's a vegetarian. He sleeps under the stars because heating and air conditioning "ain't natural". He knows exactly who his friends are and where to get help when he needs it. He is an amazingly strong man with a gentle soul.
Buskin is 2nd in a line of bronze sculptures which celebrate the everyday working musician. The Limited Edition Bronze Musician Series was developed to bring into light, the value of everyday working musicians. These are not rock stars earning millions of dollars. You’ll find them in jazz cafes, dive bars and working every chance they get to make ends meet. They keep our heartbeats, tell our stories, and hold the soul of our communities in the music they play.