2008 May - Society of Connecticut Sculptors

SCS Newsletter
Newsletter of the
May, 2008
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST – FRED RICHMAN
Society of
Connecticut
May, 2008 – Vol. 5, No. 2
SCS, Inc., P.O. Box 415,
Essex, CT 06426
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN
As I sit here looking out the window at the gray skies and heavy rain, I have
to repeat mentally the mantra “This is Spring. This is Spring” – because all the
visual data leads to the conclusion that this is the depths of Winter. However,
there is a spring-like bright spot even in this gloom. Thanks to a big, individual
effort by Robert Swain, husband of the editor of this newsletter, the Society of
Connecticut Sculptors now can present itself to the world on our very own
impressive website. (www.ctsculptors.org)
If this enthusiasm for our website seems excessive, I do not believe it is.
When SCS was founded 16 years ago, one of the first things agreed upon by the
founders was that our new organization would greatly benefit from a website. Over the years creating
one has been a continual topic of discussion, and in fact there have been four serious attempts to
negotiate with various organizations to create one. But they have all fallen through largely because of
the cost. Bob volunteered to give it a try, and by creating the website – and getting SCS onto the Net –
he has moved us into a new era.
This is not just another place to show. As one pundit once said, “On the Net everybody looks the
same size.” Even though we have only about a hundred members, on the Net we have the same
exposure and opportunities for recognition as a major museum. This is the proverbial “Quantum Leap”
into the big, International Art World.
It seems that Fred Richman was born to sculpt! He started sculpting when he was just a little tot –
when he used to carve his own (wooden) toy blocks! He moved on to carving Ivory
soap, which he says helped him win a scholarship to college for his first year. Says
Fred. “When I graduated from the Music and Art High
School in New York I thought I would be a sculptor,
but being a child of the Great Depression it sounded
safer to go into industrial design.”
Fred’s interest in sculpting did not waiver into
adulthood. He went for classes at night to the Sculpture
Center and the Art Students’ League in New York City
after working all day at his job. Fred laughs, “Since all
they had to offer was working from live models,
I now have a house full of nudes in terra cotta.”
At 81, Fred presently works at his Clinton studio in both wood
and terra cotta. Working in wood, he says, seems to satisfy a carving
instinct he has. Although most of his formal instruction was “Bauhaus”
form and abstraction, he tends to go the figurative route now. (See
more of Fred’s work on our website, www.ctsculptors.org.)
Fred joined the Society of Connecticut Sculptors when he moved
to the state fifteen years ago and has participated in many of the
Society’s shows. He also has won a number of awards for his sculpture
as a participant in Clinton Art Society Shows.
STANLEY BLEIFELD’S CIVIL RIGHTS MEMORIAL
To be Unveiled in July in Richmond, VA
I want to thank Bob publicly for his accomplishment and to encourage the membership of SCS to
volunteer to get actively involved with our site. If you already have your own website, mention on it that
you are a member of the Society of Connecticut Sculptors and add a link to the SCS site on it. Also
notify Bob of your address if we don’t already have a link to yours.
Stanley Bleifeld has been an artist in the public eye since the 1950’s. In 1967, the Bridgeport Sunday
Post art critic wrote, “The name Stanley Bleifeld and sculpture are synonymous.” His fame is almost
legendary.
This is only the beginning. There will be more work to be done as we go along. We welcome any
volunteers, no matter how inexperienced, to help maintain the site. (Bob Swain will be leading a
workshop soon on how to update the site. Contact him directly if you want to participate.) Please
consider volunteering. Help put us in the sun.
Widespread public recognition came from the 1964 World’s Fair Vatican Pavilion’s commission of
a five-part terra cotta relief. Then a Life Magazine picture and article kept him before the public eye. And
of course there was the New York gallery – a well established one – Peridot, at 820 Madison Avenue,
with its streams of Bleifeld reviews. (You can see more about Stanley Bleifeld on his web site at
www.stanleybleifeld.com )
PS: Wendy and Bob can be e-mailed at [email protected] or [email protected].
–John Molloy
More recently, Bleifeld was selected from hundreds of American sculptors to create a national
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SCS Newsletter
monument for the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. His larger-than-life
sculpture “Lone Sailor” sits on a site near the Capitol building and is
viewed by thousands of visitors every year. This commission peaked the
interest of national media including the Today Show, Newsweek and The
Washington Post. A Weston, CT, resident for 35 years, Stanley shares his
time between his secluded studio and home here and another one in
Pietrasanta, Italy.
Former Governor of Virginia Mark Warner
commissioned the Civil Rights Memorial in 2005.
Stanley, who is a member of the Society of Connecticut
Sculptors in addition to his world renown, submitted his
proposal to the Governor’s committee for the Capitol
Square Civil Rights Memorial Foundation. Stanley’s
proposal won and he began work on the project in
October of 2006. The total cost is expected to be about
$2.6 million, with the money being raised from private
donations.
Bleifeld did most of the work on this enormous
undertaking in Pietrasanta, where he has a big studio
and the help of an excellent assistant and other skillful
local artisans. Stanley estimates that he worked for about
ten to twelve hours daily on this project.
May, 2008
SCS Newsletter
May, 2008
spend a lot of time in the studio with lots of unsightly plastic covering people’s works, various sculpture
stands scattered about and tools laid out all over the studio for the convenience of all the sculptors
working there. The beauty which emerges from this seeming chaos inspires my creativity and lights a
certain fire in me. For me, there is no weather, no heat, no cold, no sun, nor rain – just a spot to unleash
my soul and block out the outside world for a time. For that, I am most grateful..
I hope that you, too, have found your spot for creativity, and, in this world of busy and busier,
work that truly fulfills your soul.
–Wendy Swain
May 2 Field Trip to New York City
Above are views of two of four sides of the new
Virginia State Civil Rights Memorial by Stanley
Bleifeld. See www.vacivilrightsmemorial.org/
memorial/render/ for more views and details.
The unveiling of the monument will take place in Richmond
on Monday, July 21st . A small group of SCS members are
planning to attend.
Editor’s Musings
One of the amazing things that happens to
me when I go to work in the company of other
sculptors in a studio not far from my home is that
the experience is much more than just the
coaxing of the clay into various shapes and forms.
It is the uplift, too, and the inspiration I get from
bouncing ideas off of others in the studio, plus getting and giving
reactions to my work and the work of my colleagues. I love being
a part of a group of like-minded individuals who are there to work
and support each other.
And while I love being surrounded by beauty, I can also
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Five SCS members took the train together into New York City on a cool, overcast morning to
explore the city and some of its
sculpture. The first stop was at
the National Sculpture Society,
at 46th and Park Avenue, to view
the 75th Annual Exhibition in
the Atrium of its lovely, modern
building. The 60 sculptures on
view were selected from over 800
Society of CT Sculptors
Board of Directors
John Molloy, President
Harold Wright, Treasurer
Susan Zurles, Vice President
LeaAnn Cogswell, Secretary
Members at Large
Ken Bujnowski
Steffi Friedman
Rosemary Gurpide
Helene Johnson
Maurice Maultz
Fred Richman
Fay Stevenson-Smith
Wendy Swain
Jack Yerkes
Individual sculptures at right are from the 75th
NSS exhibit – clockwise from top left, by
Marsha Tosk, Richard Blake, Jane DeDecker,
Joy Beckner and the show winner, “Iron Child”
(sculpted in wood) by Stephen Layne. See the
NSS site for more. Other shots are at the
Lucchesi studio – Bruno with Louise and Pat
Wiley and with Patti Law, Ann Rosow-Lucchesi
showing Wendy Swain one of Bruno’s books.
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SCS Newsletter
May, 2008
entries by a jury. The variety of sculptures was noteworthy. A separate Awards Jury selected fifteen
sculptures for awards totaling more than $12,000. The subject matter of pieces ranged from birds and
animals, some lifelike and others whimsical, to human figures in various poses. The materials ranged
from terra cotta to bronze and wood. Gwen Pier, Executive Director of the NSS, was kind enough to
accompany the group for a short time through the exhibit and to take some photographs of us as well.
(The exhibit ends May 30th and will then travel to Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina, for display
from June 28 to August 24.)
We enjoyed the walk up Madison Avenue next to visit the Wildenstein and Knoedler Galleries,
located on 64th and 70th respectively. The galleries held mostly paintings, some by very well known
artists – with price tags into the millions.
Then we hopped on a subway to wend our way down to the East Village where we had had an
invitation from Ann and Bruno Lucchesi to visit their work studio. That was the true highlight of the
day – viewing the wonderful array of completed sculptures by both Bruno and Ann as well as seeing
works in progress and getting to interact with them and ask questions about techniques and ideas. The
smiles and laughter flowed freely. (You can view slide shows of both Bruno’s and Ann’s sculpture on
our website – www.ctsculptors.org.)
The promised rain did not materialize, so the day was a special delight – talking about sculpture
and art in a small group of friends – “hanging out” for the day, but with a purpose. Opportunities such
as this are just one good reason for being a member of a group like the Society of Connecticut Sculptors.
Hopefully you may be a part of the group next time.
SCS Newsletter
May, 2008
“For the more advanced participants we will work with the ‘machinetta’ (pointing device) to
reproduce a plaster model in marble using the Italian pointing method for transferring accurate
measurements.” (The cost is $525.) For more information, contact Salem Art Works, 19 Cary Lane
Salem, New York 12865.
Fred X. Brownstein is a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society who was recently featured in
their News Bulletin. He is internationally known for his marble work. Fred says that living in Italy from
1975 to 1991 was the foundation for all of his work.
SCULPTURE with Paul Lucchesi. This workshop will take place from July 19 to 26 at the Punch
Bowl, on the coast of Maine. The cost is around $1,300, which includes 4-6 hours of instruction per
day, three meals daily, beautiful rooms with water views and daily instructor critiques on the Northwest
Porch. “This five-day workshop will emphasize the individuality and expression of bas-relief sculpture
with the Human Figure as the central theme. Paul will discuss different approaches and demonstrate
techniques and structure throughout the week, helping students to gain both technical skill and
confidence.” He reminds students that “the whole point is to have fun.” (Contact Gar Waterman, 425
West Rock Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515)
Paul Lucchesi is an accomplished painter, sculptor and teacher from Brooklyn, NY, and son of
Bruno Lucchesi.
OTHER LOCAL WORKSHOP LOCATIONS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST: Arts Center at
Killingworth, Carriage Barn Arts Center (New Canaan), Creative Arts Workshop (New Haven),
Guilford Art Center, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts (Old Lyme), New Haven Paint & Clay Club,
Rowayton Arts Center, Silvermine School of Art (Norwalk).
Some Possibilities for Summer Fun Mixed with Inspiration
ARTS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (A New Column)
Summer Workshops are being offered in
many, many locations around the country. For us,
there are two of special note—
By Louise Wiley
George Bernard Shaw said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these
apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we
exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”
MARBLE
CARVING
with
Fred
Brownstein. This workshop will be taking place
from August 4 to 8 in Salem, New York. “This
marble carving residency will offer instruction in
marble carving for a mixed group of participants
from beginners to more experienced sculptors
who wish to learn and improve their techniques.
We will cover the three main phases of marble
sculpture: roughing out, modeling with chisels and
finishing. All tools and techniques will be
demonstrated.
Fred X. Brownstein sculptures above
and at right: “The Wall” and “Ricordo
di Profumo” (from the 2006 NSS
annual exhibit.
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I would like to begin a new column to appear in our future newsletters which will hopefully
exchange ideas and benefit us all. Who among us knows everything about sculpting? Have you ever
been trying to complete a project and run into a problem which you may have had difficulty solving?
Have you solved a problem and are willing to share your solution with other sculptors? Has a new idea
or technique come into your bag of tricks which may be helpful to others? Have you had an interesting
experience with a gallery, show place, foundry, a new or different tool?
Let’s have a question-and-answer – helpful hints (information) – section. No matter what medium
you work in, we all can learn and profit from our fellow artists, but you can’t learn if you don’t ask.
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May, 2008
Others will find it difficult if you won’t share. So… let me hear from you! Tell us all some of your
personal, helpful experiences; give your best tips or ask questions about problems or concerns you may
have.
I’ll start off by telling you something that I found. This is one example of information which is not
necessarily easy to find.
SCS Newsletter
May, 2008
Society of Connecticut Sculptors, Inc.
P.O. Box 415
Essex, CT 06426
We all know the importance of the quality of your photos. Some of us can take our own stills or
slides but with a new professional innovation, pictures can be obtained which far exceed any up to now.
A photographer I know will take great CD’s, slides, prints and also has equipment which gives him the
ability to photograph your art pieces while being rotated. This can be particularly great for display on
your web site, for submissions to galleries or jurors in competitions and exhibitions who will now be
able to see your work from every side. This photographer will come to your studio to take as many
pictures as you wish without the hassle of transporting your statues to another location.
Contact: Jack Bonura, 631-560-1183.
(Contact Louise Wiley at [email protected] with your input for this column.)
Return to the Acton Library for a Summer Show
We have contacted the Acton Library in Old Saybrook and they are delighted to have our sculpture
show there again this summer. The library has a very large influx of people on a daily basis during the
months of July and August, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity again to show in their light
and airy main room. Watch your mailboxes for the show details—submission of photos, jurying dates,
delivery and pickup of accepted works, etc.
(We are always on the lookout for venues for shows. Please let John Molloy know if you have any
suggestions about possible future places to show – at [email protected].)
Thanks for the Support!
A special thank-you goes out to those members who have supported the Society of Connecticut
Sculptors with a financial contribution above and beyond the basic membership fee this year. (Some of
these people have been doing so for years.) The Society wants to recognize their gifts.
Kenneth Bruno
Jacqueline Lobdell
David Millen
Gerald Freedman
Sylvia Margison
Richard Pauler
Steffi Friedman
Maurice Maultz
Wayne Southwick
OUR MEMBERS SHINE!
Congratulations to Louise Wiley and Corina Alvarezdelugo for their recent successes with their
work. On April 22, Louise attended the reception and unveiling of her six-foot-high bronze of an
osprey swooping up a fish in its talons. It was commissioned by the owner of the Saybrook Point Inn.
The sculpture now adorns the entrance to the inn. The owner has also commissioned two 42”-high terra
cotta pieces of Viscount Say and Lord Brook (for whom the town of Saybrook was named) and those
pieces will be inside the inn, in the restaurant.
Corina Alvarezdelugo is showing her work at the Interlaken Inn and Conference Center in the
Northwest corner of the state – in Lakeville, on Route 112. The opening reception was on May 10th.
The exhibit will continue until September.
Jack Yerkes
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May, 2008
SURVEY & MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Please fill out the survey below and return it to:
Harold Wright, 81 Green Hill Road Killingworth, CT 06419.
Name_______________________________________________________________________________
_____I have been a member of SCS for ____________ years.
_____I would like to become a member of SCS. Benefits include newsletters, venues for exhibiting work,
social events with other sculptors, etc. (Individual membership is $45 per year. Please send a check
made out to SCS to: Society of Connecticut Sculptors, Inc., P.O. Box 415, Essex, CT 06426)
_____I would be interested in writing an article for the newsletter or suggesting a focus for future
articles.
_____I have the following talent(s) that I would be willing to share with SCS members:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_____I would be willing to find paid advertiser(s) for the newsletter.
_____I would like to participate in future exhibits.
_____I am interested in attending social events—field trips, evening soirees, demonstrations or lectures.
Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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