During a Community Residency in at Fowler Dune Shack on the Cape Cod National Seashore, Deb Carey pointed out this survivor organism to me. When the dune eroded, most of this high bush blueberry’s roots were exposed, yet it survived and bears fruit. I was impressed. read more »
Capitalism Works for Me! True/False - Steve Lambert
At the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum yesterday in pouring rain I voted my opinion into Steve Lambert’s Capitalism: It Works For Me! True/False, which includes a counter of the opinions cast. How would you vote?
This future/retro neon thingy was part of the museum’s biennial, installed in front of the entrance. Inside, hidden back of the greeter’s desk, was a video of Steve talking about his philosophical provocations that included a segment from a televised rant by a journalist on the topic of capitalism where he cites a German politician’s slogan that chants “we can do better than capitalism”, a slogan also used by Occupy Wall Street protesters. Here is one excerpt from the video and another, which gives you a hint of what Steve is aiming at. Also included are a few comments by “people on the street” and insight into how the piece was funded. For the real experience, you’ll just have to go to the DeCordova in Lincoln, MA or any other of the sites along the sign’s cross-country tour to see it for yourself. And cast your vote.
Edinburgh feather cap
Alas, I have been so busy with life, so you have not heard from me. But here is something intriguing. My sister Norma alerted me to a certain delicate Edinburgh mystery. This NPR article by Robert Krulwich describes a trail of surprise gifts given anonymously to those with eyes, a heart, and a brain.
Egils Zarins photo
En route to a two week trip around Latvia, during a layover at Keflavik airport in Iceland, I experienced Directions, a sculpture installation by Steinunn Thorarinsdottir.
Four life casts in aluminum are mounted on columns of basalt, a hard volcanic stone common to this seismic island. The figures face outward, toward the four compass points and therefore the ends of the earth, like read more »
Wendy Klemperer just sent me this link to A fascinating video of her extensive exhibit Re-Imagined at Maine Audubon near Freeport, that has been produced by her videographer sister, Joyce Klemperer. The exhibit, which runs until May, 2011, was curated by June LaCombe Sculpture.
Wendy is a sculptor adept at drawing wildlife in 3D. She creates scenarios rife with the tension between prey and predator, beauty and savagery. You can read an interview with Wendy if you scroll down a few articles on this page!
Here is a message from Bob Emser, the noted sculptor, about an exciting new project he is initiating. The Winged Project aspires to install large scale art pieces Bob has designed in major cities in the U.S. He is working with USAproject.org, a Not-for-Profit art organization on the initial aspects of this project.
http://www.unitedstatesartists.org/project/the_winged_project
As with everything in this business, there are costs to cover. If you would like to be an “angel” in support of Bob Emser’s vision for this project, you can easily do so here:
http://www.unitedstatesartists.org/projectDonation/new/project_id/85
Donations are tax deductible. But you will need to hurry! The deadline for contributions is Feb. 5th.
This is an ambitious project at a pivotal point in Bob’s career. Additionally, it is an opportunity for you to support the work of an artist with an international resume.
Wendy Klemperer - Egils Zarins photo
My sculptures use the body language of animals to express a feeling or state of being, with motion conveying emotion. – Wendy Klemperer
How did you arrive at your very expressive signature method of drawing in space with previously used rebar?
Over the years I have experimented with many sculptural materials, and also painted a lot (I still do, sometimes). I worked with clay, wood, stone, plaster, wax, bronze, resin, and all kinds of messy mixed medium collage things that fell apart, and then I started making sculptures out of tree branches. I had been working with wax to cast in
River Elk Swimming
bronze, and then added sticks here and there for support. I liked the color and texture of the wax, and made pieces that were just wax and sticks, but they were always delicate. I wanted to work larger, and found that I could use the sticks alone and get a linear, gestural effect. I developed a technique of wiring the wood together by drilling a hole first, then pulling the wire tight with pliers. It was actually a tedious and annoying process; I read more »
Stephanie Sullivan
The other day I was showing some images of sculptures by various people to Stephanie Sullivan and she expressed her surprise that there isn’t more public sculpture in the U.S. as there is in Europe and other parts of the world. She is a nineteen-year old who has the right idea. I asked her to write her feelings on this and so, she has:
American towns and cities would do well to have more public outdoor sculptures and artistic expression. For one thing, the way a culture expresses itself affects its people, and the same is true in reverse. This is to say that the more sculpture is available to the public eye, the more people will have the opportunity to appreciate art and perhaps enhance and value their own creative life. In a country where millions are caught in an eternal rat race for money and security, people could vastly benefit from a more intuitive outlet.
In America, cities and towns are primarily bereft of art and sculpture. A simple Google search for images of Italy and another for images of Boston shows just how lacking America read more »
Large scale sculpture is expensive to make, a challenge to move and difficult to sell, none of which deters Dale Rogers. His business acumen and energy level have propelled his career as a successful sculptor, allowing him to make an excellent income doing the work he loves. His work has been purchased by sculpture parks and municipalities all over the U.S. and by hundreds of private collectors. There is also a book about Dale’s sculpture in the works.
Dale’s formula for success? He keeps his prices low and works hard on design, construction and promotion of his sculpture. Dale’s name is on every piece, he does everything he can to get big pieces in high visibility locations, and 35% of his business is face to face selling through high end juried shows. Dale is fun to talk with; his enthusiasm and vitality are infectious. He is prolific and spends
G Swirl by Dale Rogers, photo by James Garfield
fifteen or more weeks a year on the road. He keeps his prices down by buying steel in bulk, has it laser cut to minimize labor time when fabricating and carefully plans out his designs using Form Z software to minimize waste. His works are priced from $3,000 to $30,000 or more. He sets a personal goal of selling fifty $5,000 pieces a year. Last year, in spite of the economic meltdown, was his best year ever. Dale produces.
American Dogs – Dale Rogers. photo – Egils Zarins
Dale has been promoting his Big Dog Show, a grouping of 20 to 100 large scale, 500-600 pound Corten steel dogs with 150 pound bases that have already been shown at several public spaces, sometimes earning funds for humane society work. He has been known to load and read more »
David Davies with Synthetic Bond
Synthetic Bond by David Davies
Permanent outdoor sculpture is big and expensive, so how do artists show new work without spending a fortune? This may not be an issue once your reputation and client list are golden, but meanwhile most artists make small maquettes for proposals. David Davies has been working on another solution.
His two pieces in a recent sculpture show at the Pingree School in South Hamilton, MA made powerful statements about color and form, yet neither was as expensive as the same forms in steel or bronze would be. Still, an art patron or collector could easily see what kind of read more »