Michael Porten
M.F.A., painting, 2012; B.F.A., illustration, 2004
To commemorate the Savannah Women of Vision and their profound impact on the community, SCAD commissioned alumnus Michael Porten to create large relief portraits of the honorees. Monumental in scale, the sculptural portraits capture the distinct likenesses of these extraordinary heroines — of both past and present — whose equally monumental contributions, resolve, and courageous spirit continue to play an integral role in shaping the lives of Savannahians.
Although the portraits are executed in classic bas-relief — a style of portraiture perfected by the ancient Greeks — Porten uses advanced tools and software to sculpturally render each woman’s visage, infusing a classic medium with modern technology. Using a 3D modeling program and a computer-controlled lathe, Porten hews each likeness into poplar, then carves and sands by hand to a velvety smoothness. The relief portraits are then coated in an antiqued, gilded finish, forever preserving each woman’s image.
The gilded finish holds meaning, as gold traditionally represents generosity and compassion. It is the mark of benevolent patrons and those who share wisdom, knowledge, and wealth with others.
Porten was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and lives and works in Savannah. Through sculptural works and paintings, he has inscribed his own aesthetic niche, often pulling inspiration from contemporary pop culture and iconography.
Be inspired
See commissioned portraits celebrating Savannah Women of Vision and learn more about this elite cadre of trailblazers who profoundly transformed the city's cultural, political, and social landscape.