Continuing a lifetime of learning & teaching sculpting

Keeping traditional art forms and techniques alive.

This project is to fund my preparation for a career shift and the beginning of a new apprenticeship in a new field of sculpting. While the job itself is not involved in charity work, I have throughout my working life passed along my knowledge and methods to all I can reach in hopes of keeping an under-represented artisan trade thriving. The new skills I acquire in this endeavor will in time be passed along as well.

 

Who I am
I am a fourth generation architectural & fine arts sculptor and mold maker. My grandfather worked in traditional European ornamental sculpture in New York during the 1920’s thru the 1940’s and created works with masters like Rene Chambellan, Paul Manship, and Don DeLue. My father followed in the family tradition, learning all my grandfather had to offer, and I was fortunate enough to serve my apprenticeship under two masters. Much of what I learned and use in my work today is exactly as it was applied almost 70 years ago.

Since beginning my life as an artist and sculptor one thing that has always concerned me is the dwindling number of people carrying on this tradition and the possible extinction of the knowledge and methods passed on to me. In response I began (and continue today) opening my studio doors to anyone wanting to learn. Open tours for school children, one on one apprenticeships, specified classes for aspiring artisans, and lectures at conventions and trade shows have given me an avenue for keeping the art form alive. It is a cause my family has always felt strongly about, and one I feel it is my responsibility to continue as the current caretaker of this inherited knowledge.

 

Details for this Fundraiser

So as I mentioned above, I have secured a position with an international theming company and will begin another apprenticeship learning an entirely new form of sculpting and all the related skills that accompany it. For this new venture I will be flown to locations around the country (and the globe) to work and learn, often for weeks at a time. The job begins soon and there are a number of things I will need rather quickly to hit the ground running and perform at the level expected of me. These include (but are not limited to) a laptop workstation, a number of rather pricey sculpture tools, books, and safety gear.

I regularly create art for gallery shows and commission work and would normally take that route to cover my expenses. Since this will be difficult in such a short time period I am going to try something different.

I am offering the sculptures I have ready as rewards with hopes of finding a few "patrons of the arts" to get this done. I feel better providing something in return for the help I am seeking. All art is hand sculpted in clay, molds created in rubber (for multiple castings) or plaster (for single cast), cold-cast and finished by hand. On request I will include a CD containing photos showing the sculpting, casting, and finishing for those interested in the processes. The donation levels are FAR below what I would list pieces for in a gallery.

 

Rewards

$150 donation - "Greenbelt Hunter"  16" x 14"

 

 

 

$250 donation - "King Louie"  18" x 20"

 

 

$400 donation - "Iria"  35" x 20"

 

 

$400 donation - "Greenlake Gaia"  19" x 25"

 

 

$600 donation - "Art 2 - D too"  22" x 32" x 9"

 

 

$600 donation - "WWJD"  21" x 16"

 

$1000 donation - Custom sculpture (examples pictured)