Whale tails and hippos: Vermont sculptor’s work rises from grief and dreams

In the quiet hills of Randolph, Vermont, two massive stone whale tails rise from the earth, surprising travelers who expect nothing but wilderness. These sculptures are the work of Jim Sardonis, a local artist whose creations have become landmarks for those moving through the region. His most visible work, Reverence, stands in South Burlington where it greets thousands of commuters on Interstate 89 each day. Visitors often stop to photograph the pieces, intrigued by the unexpected presence of marine life in the middle of a landlocked state.

Sardonis draws inspiration from nature, but his artistic process is rooted in life events. In the village of Brookfield, he installed a set of stone hippos titled Father and Son, a project he completed shortly after his father passed away and his own son was born. These sculptures represent the intersection of personal milestones and creative output, often serving as a point of connection for the public.

His approach to art is perhaps most evident in the work titled Vermont Family. This piece serves as a memorial for his daughter, Leah, who passed away shortly after birth. Working on this sculpture provided Sardonis a way to navigate his grief and honor the medical staff at Gifford Hospital who supported his family during that difficult period. He notes that the time spent on the project was exactly what he needed to process his loss.

For Sardonis, the sculptures are more than just public art. They are physical manifestations of his experiences and memories. Visitors who seek out these works often find that they carry a weight beyond their size. Whether through the joy of the whales or the reflection found in his tribute to his family, Sardonis continues to turn personal history into permanent fixtures of the Vermont landscape.