Thanks to landmark photographer Jerry Gammon who keeps good track of “Selene” in all seasons and weather conditions, we can now admire her in glorious spring.
“Selene” was sculpted in Pietrasanta, Italy and now resides in Kettle Pond, Newport News, Virginia.
For more information about the Newport News Public Art Foundation visit their web site linked here. To see more of Jerry Gammon’s photography visit his facebook page linked here.
I am happy to participate in “Le Forme della Differenza” exhibition, which starts tomorrow, April 30th, in Massa.
Pictured above is “Equilibrio” one of my works exhibited in the show.
Sixteen women artists are showing three marble sculptures each. The artists, hail from all over the world, and many work in Pietrasanta.
Christien Sielcken (NL), Cinthya Sah (Hong Kong), Elisa Corsini (I), Flavia Robalo (Arg.) Marta Cadonici (I), Inger Sannes (S), Julia Vance (N), Lucilla Gattini (I), Margot Homan (NL), Maria Gamundi (Ven.), Morgana Orsetta Ghini (I), Sarah Atzeni (I), Silvina Spravkin (Arg.), Sofy (F), Veronica Fonzo (Arg.), Virginia Tentindo (F).
The opening reception is TOMORROW, Thursday, the 30th of April at 6pm, and the show is in the beautiful Palazzo Ducale in nearby Massa.
“Le Forme della Differenza”
International sculpture exhibition
From the 30th of April, to the 7th of June, 2015.
Hours: from 10am to 1pm, and from 4pm to 7pm everyday except Tuesday.
Palazzo Ducale – Piazza Aranci
Massa.
“Selene” rests on Kettle Pond in Newport News surrounded by ice and fog early Wednesday morning. The 7-foot, 8,455-pound figure was sculpted by Italian artist Maria Gamundi, photograph by Adrin Snider.
Posted on March 4, 2015 under Daily Press Photographers, Local news, Photo Galleries, Weather
Landmark photographer Jerry Gammon keeps a watchful eye on my marble sculpture “Selene” in Kettle Pond, Newport News, Virginia and recently has sent me this wintery image of “Selene”. To quote Jerry Gammon, “Everyone is intrigued by Selene. They interpret her in so many different ways…that is a tribute to your artistry”.You can see Jerry Gammon’s web site: www.GammonLandmarkPhotography.com linked here.
I am happy to be represented in the thriving Frederiksberg art scene in Copenhagen at the Gallerie Lorien.
Tina Lorien, the owner, is a charming and knowledgeable person; She has worked in Pietrasanta for many years where she has met a network of international sculptors.
Find out more about Tina and the gallery in an article in the Copenhagen Post, which we link here.
Visit the gallery website, linked here.
Gallerie Lorien
Frydendalsvej 31
DK-1809 Frederiksberg
Tel: +45 53691820
Mobile: +45 53691846
Email: info(a)gallerie-lorien.com
I have the pleasure of being one of 18 Artists who live and work in Pietrasanta who are donating art to support ATMO/FITMO a Venezuelan-Italian organization who helps Venezuelan children with leukemia to get treatment here in Italy.
The work I am donating to benefit ATMO, “Donna Sdraiata” (pictured above) is a terracotta – Maiolica, one-of-a-kind.
The artists participating are:
-Sami Burhan
-Gustavo Aceves
-Gabriela Malvido Oest
-Silvano Cattai
-Ivan Theimer
-Flavia Robalo
-Cynthia Sah
-Nicolas Bertoux
-Benone Olaru
-Valente Cancogni
-Aleksandra Gazda
-Oronzo Ricci
-Vittoria Romei
-Ramona Pucci
-Selene Frosini
-Fabrizio Del Tessa
-Beppe Fazzi
-Maria Gamundi
The charity art exhibition “Art x ATMO”…una mano para la vida…will take place at Agenzia “IKAROA travel and Books” – Via Mazzini 92, Pietrasanta.
The show goes from the 13th until the 21st of December 2014, the opening reception is this Saturday at 18:30.
To find out more information about this wonderful organization you can visit their Facebook page, linked here.
“Soleil II” one of my sculptures, made of white Statuary marble, is on view at the Stanza dei Guglielmi, above the theater in the city of Massa, along with an exhibition of period photographs of the work of the marble quarries.
The exhibition is timed to coincide withy the “Campionato Mondiale di Corsa in Montagna” which takes place tomorrow, Sunday, the 14th of September, 2014. There are 800 athletes from all parts of the world, slated to participate.
To read the article which appeared in the Tirreno, visit their website, linked here.
The photo of the runner in the quarries is from the La Gazzetta di Viareggio website, linked here.
To find out more about the World Championship of Moutain Running, visit their website, linked here.
The Wall Street International website has a piece on the ongoing Leicester Botanical Gardens International Sculpture exhibition. It features two photos of my “Ninfea” bronze sculpture, by photographer Steve Russell. Alan Cane writes: “Across the pond, Maria Gamundi’s NINFEA, brings us an enchanting detailed image of a nude women floating amongst water lilies. Finely finished, this is a delicate romantic work which provides a memorable finale as we leave the arbour.”
The exhibition continues until the 26th of October, 2014.
The article opens with these paragraphs: “In straitened times, power of sculpture to inspire is explored at outdoor exhibition free and open to the public •World-class artists come together in Leicester for exhibition dedicated to Professor Sir Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester,
•45 sculptures by 33 internationally-renowned artists on display in 16-acre award-winning garden
‘A public exhibition shouldn’t be self-indulgent, it should be an effort to enrich people’s lives. Sculpture has a way of energising people – and I want to bring that to Leicester’- Helaine Blumenfeld OBE
Wet weather has turned the Botanical gardens in Leicester, UK, into lush, green areas which become backgrounds for this year’s captivating exhibition (June 15 to October 26.) The drama created by a large number of monumental bronze and marble sculptures joins the voices of smaller works which carry with them more delicate marks. The variety of materials and styles offers a sense of grace and power which stem from the artists’ preoccupation with ideas, intimations and materials. Its shapes and rhythms can, almost always, be read without complicated explanations.”
Read the rest of the article, and see more pictures from the show, on the WSI website, linked here.
I have several sculptures exhibited at the “Espressioni dell’Anima” show. The show is curated by Simona Pesetti and features the work of other sculptors, photographers and painters.
The exhibition continues until the 10th of August, 2014; the gallery hours are from Monday to Sunday from 10:30am to 1pm and from 6pm to midnight.
The statue of “Selene” pictured below is made of Maiolica. It was produced in the ceramics shop of Ivo Poli, in Pietrasanta.
The gallery space is located at Via 1 Maggio, number 8, in Pietrasanta. For more information about the exhibition, call (+39) 329 6705340
I posted previously about “The Gossipers” – one of my monumental bronze sculptures which I produced at the Mariani Foundry in Pietrasanta, and you can read about it and see pictures by clicking here.
These are photos of the private commission in its final location. I have several monumental bronze sculptures in private collections in the United States, England, the Netherlands, Italy and elsewhere. I get great satisfaction from seeing my works in their new homes, because they take on a new life – it is always amazing to me to see how naturally they sit in their new settings, as if they’d always been there.
The photos are by Rafael Rodriguez.
The Botanical Gardens of Leicester University are a perfect setting for “Ninfea”.
“Ninfea” is one of my recent monumental bronze sculptures. I took this photo at the inauguration of this exhibition on June 14th.
The exhibition, curated by Helaine Blumenfeld, features the work of many internationally known artists, many are friends and colleagues of mine who also work in Pietrasanta.
The show, The visionary Landscape of Professor Sir Robert Burgess, continues until the 26th of October 2014.
The beach season is just beginning in earnest, and I have several pieces on “exhibit” at the “Le Cicogne” Restaurant and Pizzeria in Torre del Lago. There’s my Bather in Carrara marble – as well as other marbles and bronzes.
There’s a welcoming toast tonight at 7:30pm – and you, dear readers, are invited to come celebrate!
And in the smaller picture to the side you can see me and the affable Angelo Pezzini, the restaurant manager. We link to the “Le Cicogne” fb page, where you can see more pictures of the work – as well as dramatic pictures of the installation.
“Le Cicogne”
Restaurant and Pizzeria
Viale JF Kennedy, 18
Torre del Lago
Phone: 0584 342321
email: lecicogne.ristorante@gmail.com
“Ninfea,” one of my monumental bronze sculptures will take part in “Sculpture in the Garden, 2014” exhibition at the Harold Martin Botanical Gardens, at the University of Leicester.
The photo above was taken by Stefano Baroni, when the sculpture was exhibited at the Chiostro di Sant’Agostino, in Pietrasanta for the ARBS Sculpture Exhibition in 2011.
The sculpture was cast at the Fonderia Artistica Mariani in Pietrasanta. You can visit the Mariani Foundry website, linked here.
“Sculpture in the Garden, 2014”
Sunday, June 15th to Sunday, the 26th of October, 2014
Harold Martin Botanical Gardens,
University of Leicester.
For Hours and Directions, visit the University of Leicester’s webpage, linked here.
Here is a magical photograph of “Selene” under the full moon, in her home at Kettle Pond, Virginia. The sculpture, made of Carrara marble, is a commission by the Newport News Public Art Foundation, and was carved in Pietrasanta.
The photo was sent to me by Jerry Gammon, (thanks Jerry!)
Here is a quick glance at one of my bronze sculpture – in progress. It’s a rare chance to see the work without the final patina, which the capable artigiani at the Mariani Bronze Foundry in Pietrasanta – where the piece was cast – will apply.
Without the patina one can see the fine craftsmanship that the artisans are able to achieve. You can visit the Mariani Foundry website, linked here.
“The Gossipers” is my playful meditation on two figure’s relationship with each others and the space between them. It nearly 2 meters tall and is a private commission.
You can visit my website to see more pictures of my work, linked here.
“Selene” – a sculpture I made out of Carrara Marble, in Pietrasanta – is a source of inspiration for the community and for professional photographers. Above are a few photographs of “Selene” in its new home at Kettle Pond, Mariners’ Museum Park, Newport News, Va.
This photo of “Selene” taken at Kettle Pond, in the early morning hours, is by Jerry Gammon. Thank you for sending this in Jerry, and congratulations on the grand-twins!
A dream come true: after three years of work, my “Selene” – made in white Carrara marble – rests serene reflecting her image on the waters of Kettle Pond, as she gazes on the James River.
I was thrilled and honored to work with the Newport News Public Art Foundation on this commission. I had the pleasure to be present for the public unveiling – which took place on the 23rd of November, 2013. At the ceremony, which took place on a beautiful sunny fall day, I met some wonderful people. Present were also city council members, McKinley L. Price the city’s Mayor, City Manager, Jim Bourey, State Sen. John Miller, and City Development Director Florence Kingston. Vice Mayor Herbert H. Bateman Jr. and Elliot Gruber, President of The Mariners’ Museum spoke to the crowd. Bobby Freeman Chairman of the Newport News Public Art Foundation kicked-off the ceremony.
“Selene” is now part of the Newport News community; visitors can call a number, while at the park, and hear a short introduction in my own voice.
I’d like to give a warm thank you to Bobby Freeman, the Chairman of the Newport News Public Art Foundation, who was able to envision the finished sculpture on the pond, and whose love of art enriches the lives of so many, and Carol Capó, the Foundation Executive Director, who helped orchestrate the project, and to all the donors who so generously gave to fund the making of “Selene.” I’d also like to thank the folks back home – in Pietrasanta, Italy – for their help and support: Nicola Stagetti and his able artisans who helped in the realization, and Valentina Fogher in the city’s Cultural Office, as well as Pietrasanta’s Mayor Domenico Lombardi for their continued support.
…
“Maria Gamundi the making of “Selene” in Pietrasanta”
A film by Silvano Cattai
Featuring “Selene’s Theme” music by Pebble.
Pietrasanta Sculpture, 2013
I was very honored and delighted to see my sculpture in the Piazza del Duomo di Pietgrasanta.
It was a wonderful opportunity to share with the citizens of Pietrasanta and friends, my marble sculpture “Selene” before
her departure for Newport News, Virginea, USA.
I am honored to announce that my sculpture “Selene” will be exhibited in the Piazza in Pietrasanta for a special preview, before it’s sent to the United States. The Piazza del Duomo is Pietrasanta’s premiere exhibition space and the heart of its artistic life, and is very dear to me.
The time to see it it short – from 10am the 18th to sunset on the 20th of September, 2013.
Domenico Lombardi, the Mayor of Pietrasanta may give a welcome greeting at noon, on the 18th, but this has not been confirmed as of yet.
Photo by Giorgio Cespa.
These are photos from the reception to celebrate the completion of my marble sculpture “Selene,” at the studio of Nicola Stagetti.
Celebrating the completion of a complicated or large work has been a tradition in the marble studios and bronze foundries of Pietrasanta. It’s a way to thank the artisans who were also involved in the realization of the sculpture and to share the piece with other fellow artists and friends.
Pictured in the last photo are Nicola Stagetti and myself in front of the finished piece. Find out more about Nicola Stahetti’s sculpture studio by visiting his website, linked here.
Finally she is complete!
Work on “Selene,” my commission for the Newport News Public Art Foundation is finished. The statue is 138cm x 133cm x 220cm, weighing nearly four tons.
I will be celebrating its completion with my fellow workers – some of Pietrasanta’s famed Artigiani who work at the Studio Stagetti, who helped me in the realization of the piece.
I extend the invitation to you, dear readers, to come and toast with me.
The event takes place this Saturday, the 7th of September at 6pm at the Studio Stagetti.
Click here for a map with directions.
See you all there!
Silvano Cattai, a Pietrasanta-based sculptor, has been documenting my progress on “Selene” and took the photo above. In it you can see me sanding and perfecting the surface of the marble.
We are getting close to being finished!
“Selene” is a commission for The Newport News Public Art Foundation.
The work is taking place at Studio Stagetti, one of the marble studios of Pietrasanta.
Here are photos of me working on “Selene,” my Carrara marble sculpture, which was commissioned by The Newport News Public Art Foundation.
The work is taking place at Studio Stagetti, one of the marble studios of Pietrasanta.
To find out more information about the studio, visit the studio website, linked here.
Youtube user Lucrezia012 has posted two nice videos of my work, that she produced, on her youtube channel. The first one above is called: “Maria Gamundi Venezuelan Sculptor Chacarera de un triste TANGO.”
The other video I link to here.
I was surprised to find these videos on the web, and am impressed at the amount of energy that Lucrezia012 spent on the research of the photos of my art.
Thank you Lucrezia012; I appreciate your interest in my work.
The figure of “Selene” is beginning to emerge from the block of marble. This part of the sculpting process is called the “sbozzatura,” – the roughing out. The block has received the first cuts (see the picture top left) and is then brought into the studio, in Pietrasanta, where the roughing out is taking place.
Here, on the left, is a photo of the “bozzetto” of “Selene.” The “bozzetto,” or plaster model, is the starting point for the larger marble sculpture.
The final sculpture is only four times the size of the plaster model – the plaster model is 50cm high, whereas the final sculptures is 2m tall – but I am struck by the effect: it really feels monumental.
I’ve been working on the plaster model (which is 1 meter tall) of my sculpture “Selene” – which has been commissioned by the Newport News Public Art Foundation.
The model is finished, and ready to be used for the carving of the 2,20 meter white Carrara marble sculpture, which I will produce here in Pietrasanta.
Here to the side you can see a picture of me putting the finishing touches on the plaster model; above, you can see a picture of the white Carrara marble block that I selected for the sculpture.
This is always a thrilling moment in the process – I can’t wait to start!
Stay tuned for more photos as the sculpture progresses. I’m new to blogging and am interested in hearing your thoughts, dear reader. Feel free to drop me a line in the comments section below this post.
Previously:
The photo above is a photo-montage of a plaster model of “Selene” in the setting of Kettle Pond, Newport News, Virginia. The final sculpture will be two-meters-high and will be carved out of white Carrara marble.
The Newport News Public Art Foundation supports art in public spaces around the city. You can learn more about the sculptures in public spaces sponsored by NNPAF, and “take a tour” on their website, linked here. They are committed to showcasing artworks in public spaces as they believe this affords people a chance to “live” with the art – and art is viewed, in this way, more than art exhibited in museums.
I am delighted by this commission, and am already working on the project. I am currently creating a one-meter-high clay model which will serve for the carving, in marble, of the final sculpture.
What follow are step-by-step photos of the work in progress:
The Armature. In this photo you can see the iron armature being covered with the first layer of clay.
The Clay Model. Additional layers of clay are added guided by the use of pantograph, one of the tools used for making enlargements of sculptures. In this picture you can see the arm of the pantograph taking a reading from the smaller plaster model and then “translating” it to the larger size. This is a mechanical process which only gives a rough approximation of the final sculpture. It is just the first step, the real work is yet to begin…
Working the Clay Model. This is me working on the clay model in my studio in Pietrasanta; this is my chance to perfect and re-create the sculpture in this new size. The enlargement of any work creates issues that affect the whole. I look at each element and make sure that it is harmonious and balanced.
The project, of bringing “Selene” to Newport News is funded entirely by donations from the community. If you would like to contribute, call (757) 369-3014, or email ccapo@nnpaf.org.
Visit the Newport News Public Art Foundation website, linked here.
Maria Gamundí's Sculpture Blog 