2008 May â Artist: Fred Richman - Society of Connecticut Sculptors
2008 May â Artist: Fred Richman - Society of Connecticut Sculptors
2008 May â Artist: Fred Richman - Society of Connecticut Sculptors
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Newsletter <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Connecticut</strong><br />
<strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong> – Vol. 5, No. 2<br />
SCS, Inc., P.O. Box 415,<br />
Essex, CT 06426<br />
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN<br />
As I sit here looking out the window at the gray skies and heavy rain, I have<br />
to repeat mentally the mantra “This is Spring. This is Spring” – because all the<br />
visual data leads to the conclusion that this is the depths <strong>of</strong> Winter. However,<br />
there is a spring-like bright spot even in this gloom. Thanks to a big, individual<br />
effort by Robert Swain, husband <strong>of</strong> the editor <strong>of</strong> this newsletter, the <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Connecticut</strong> <strong>Sculptors</strong> now can present itself to the world on our very own<br />
impressive website. (www.ctsculptors.org)<br />
If this enthusiasm for our website seems excessive, I do not believe it is.<br />
When SCS was founded 16 years ago, one <strong>of</strong> the first things agreed upon by the<br />
founders was that our new organization would greatly benefit from a website. Over the years creating<br />
one has been a continual topic <strong>of</strong> discussion, and in fact there have been four serious attempts to<br />
negotiate with various organizations to create one. But they have all fallen through largely because <strong>of</strong><br />
the cost. Bob volunteered to give it a try, and by creating the website – and getting SCS onto the Net –<br />
he has moved us into a new era.<br />
This is not just another place to show. As one pundit once said, “On the Net everybody looks the<br />
same size.” Even though we have only about a hundred members, on the Net we have the same<br />
exposure and opportunities for recognition as a major museum. This is the proverbial “Quantum Leap”<br />
into the big, International Art World.<br />
I want to thank Bob publicly for his accomplishment and to encourage the membership <strong>of</strong> SCS to<br />
volunteer to get actively involved with our site. If you already have your own website, mention on it that<br />
you are a member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong> <strong>Sculptors</strong> and add a link to the SCS site on it. Also<br />
notify Bob <strong>of</strong> your address if we don’t already have a link to yours.<br />
This is only the beginning. There will be more work to be done as we go along. We welcome any<br />
volunteers, no matter how inexperienced, to help maintain the site. (Bob Swain will be leading a<br />
workshop soon on how to update the site. Contact him directly if you want to participate.) Please<br />
consider volunteering. Help put us in the sun.<br />
PS: Wendy and Bob can be e-mailed at wgs10s@yahoo.com or uu4u@sbcglobal.net.<br />
–John Molloy<br />
SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST – FRED RICHMAN<br />
It seems that <strong>Fred</strong> <strong>Richman</strong> was born to sculpt! He started sculpting when he was just a little tot –<br />
when he used to carve his own (wooden) toy blocks! He moved on to carving Ivory<br />
soap, which he says helped him win a scholarship to college for his first year. Says<br />
<strong>Fred</strong>. “When I graduated from the Music and Art High<br />
School in New York I thought I would be a sculptor,<br />
but being a child <strong>of</strong> the Great Depression it sounded<br />
safer to go into industrial design.”<br />
<strong>Fred</strong>’s interest in sculpting did not waiver into<br />
adulthood. He went for classes at night to the Sculpture<br />
Center and the Art Students’ League in New York City<br />
after working all day at his job. <strong>Fred</strong> laughs, “Since all<br />
they had to <strong>of</strong>fer was working from live models,<br />
I now have a house full <strong>of</strong> nudes in terra cotta.”<br />
At 81, <strong>Fred</strong> presently works at his Clinton studio in both wood<br />
and terra cotta. Working in wood, he says, seems to satisfy a carving<br />
instinct he has. Although most <strong>of</strong> his formal instruction was “Bauhaus”<br />
form and abstraction, he tends to go the figurative route now. (See<br />
more <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fred</strong>’s work on our website, www.ctsculptors.org.)<br />
<strong>Fred</strong> joined the <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong> <strong>Sculptors</strong> when he moved<br />
to the state fifteen years ago and has participated in many <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Society</strong>’s shows. He also has won a number <strong>of</strong> awards for his sculpture<br />
as a participant in Clinton Art <strong>Society</strong> Shows.<br />
STANLEY BLEIFELD’S CIVIL RIGHTS MEMORIAL<br />
To be Unveiled in July in Richmond, VA<br />
Stanley Bleifeld has been an artist in the public eye since the 1950’s. In 1967, the Bridgeport Sunday<br />
Post art critic wrote, “The name Stanley Bleifeld and sculpture are synonymous.” His fame is almost<br />
legendary.<br />
Widespread public recognition came from the 1964 World’s Fair Vatican Pavilion’s commission <strong>of</strong><br />
a five-part terra cotta relief. Then a Life Magazine picture and article kept him before the public eye. And<br />
<strong>of</strong> course there was the New York gallery – a well established one – Peridot, at 820 Madison Avenue,<br />
with its streams <strong>of</strong> Bleifeld reviews. (You can see more about Stanley Bleifeld on his web site at<br />
www.stanleybleifeld.com )<br />
More recently, Bleifeld was selected from hundreds <strong>of</strong> American sculptors to create a national<br />
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SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
monument for the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. His larger-than-life<br />
sculpture “Lone Sailor” sits on a site near the Capitol building and is<br />
viewed by thousands <strong>of</strong> visitors every year. This commission peaked the<br />
interest <strong>of</strong> national media including the Today Show, Newsweek and The<br />
Washington Post. A Weston, CT, resident for 35 years, Stanley shares his<br />
time between his secluded studio and home here and another one in<br />
Pietrasanta, Italy.<br />
Former Governor <strong>of</strong> Virginia Mark Warner<br />
commissioned the Civil Rights Memorial in 2005.<br />
Stanley, who is a member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong><br />
<strong>Sculptors</strong> in addition to his world renown, submitted his<br />
proposal to the Governor’s committee for the Capitol<br />
Square Civil Rights Memorial Foundation. Stanley’s<br />
proposal won and he began work on the project in<br />
October <strong>of</strong> 2006. The total cost is expected to be about<br />
$2.6 million, with the money being raised from private<br />
donations.<br />
Bleifeld did most <strong>of</strong> the work on this enormous<br />
undertaking in Pietrasanta, where he has a big studio<br />
and the help <strong>of</strong> an excellent assistant and other skillful<br />
local artisans. Stanley estimates that he worked for about<br />
ten to twelve hours daily on this project.<br />
The unveiling <strong>of</strong> the monument will take place in Richmond<br />
on Monday, July 21 st . A small group <strong>of</strong> SCS members are<br />
planning to attend.<br />
Editor’s Musings<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the amazing things that happens to<br />
me when I go to work in the company <strong>of</strong> other<br />
sculptors in a studio not far from my home is that<br />
the experience is much more than just the<br />
coaxing <strong>of</strong> the clay into various shapes and forms.<br />
It is the uplift, too, and the inspiration I get from<br />
bouncing ideas <strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> others in the studio, plus getting and giving<br />
reactions to my work and the work <strong>of</strong> my colleagues. I love being<br />
a part <strong>of</strong> a group <strong>of</strong> like-minded individuals who are there to work<br />
and support each other.<br />
And while I love being surrounded by beauty, I can also<br />
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Above are views <strong>of</strong> two <strong>of</strong> four sides <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
Virginia State Civil Rights Memorial by Stanley<br />
Bleifeld. See www.vacivilrightsmemorial.org/<br />
memorial/render/ for more views and details.<br />
<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> CT <strong>Sculptors</strong><br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
John Molloy, President<br />
Harold Wright, Treasurer<br />
Susan Zurles, Vice President<br />
LeaAnn Cogswell, Secretary<br />
Members at Large<br />
Ken Bujnowski<br />
Steffi Friedman<br />
Rosemary Gurpide<br />
Helene Johnson<br />
Maurice Maultz<br />
<strong>Fred</strong> <strong>Richman</strong><br />
Fay Stevenson-Smith<br />
Wendy Swain<br />
Jack Yerkes<br />
SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
spend a lot <strong>of</strong> time in the studio with lots <strong>of</strong> unsightly plastic covering people’s works, various sculpture<br />
stands scattered about and tools laid out all over the studio for the convenience <strong>of</strong> all the sculptors<br />
working there. The beauty which emerges from this seeming chaos inspires my creativity and lights a<br />
certain fire in me. For me, there is no weather, no heat, no cold, no sun, nor rain – just a spot to unleash<br />
my soul and block out the outside world for a time. For that, I am most grateful..<br />
I hope that you, too, have found your spot for creativity, and, in this world <strong>of</strong> busy and busier,<br />
work that truly fulfills your soul.<br />
–Wendy Swain<br />
<strong>May</strong> 2 Field Trip to New York City<br />
Five SCS members took the train together into New York City on a cool, overcast morning to<br />
explore the city and some <strong>of</strong> its<br />
sculpture. The first stop was at<br />
the National Sculpture <strong>Society</strong>,<br />
at 46th and Park Avenue, to view<br />
the 75th Annual Exhibition in<br />
the Atrium <strong>of</strong> its lovely, modern<br />
building. The 60 sculptures on<br />
view were selected from over 800<br />
Individual sculptures at right are from the 75 th<br />
NSS exhibit – clockwise from top left, by<br />
Marsha Tosk, Richard Blake, Jane DeDecker,<br />
Joy Beckner and the show winner, “Iron Child”<br />
(sculpted in wood) by Stephen Layne. See the<br />
NSS site for more. Other shots are at the<br />
Lucchesi studio – Bruno with Louise and Pat<br />
Wiley and with Patti Law, Ann Rosow-Lucchesi<br />
showing Wendy Swain one <strong>of</strong> Bruno’s books.<br />
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SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
entries by a jury. The variety <strong>of</strong> sculptures was noteworthy. A separate Awards Jury selected fifteen<br />
sculptures for awards totaling more than $12,000. The subject matter <strong>of</strong> pieces ranged from birds and<br />
animals, some lifelike and others whimsical, to human figures in various poses. The materials ranged<br />
from terra cotta to bronze and wood. Gwen Pier, Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the NSS, was kind enough to<br />
accompany the group for a short time through the exhibit and to take some photographs <strong>of</strong> us as well.<br />
(The exhibit ends <strong>May</strong> 30th and will then travel to Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina, for display<br />
from June 28 to August 24.)<br />
We enjoyed the walk up Madison Avenue next to visit the Wildenstein and Knoedler Galleries,<br />
located on 64th and 70th respectively. The galleries held mostly paintings, some by very well known<br />
artists – with price tags into the millions.<br />
Then we hopped on a subway to wend our way down to the East Village where we had had an<br />
invitation from Ann and Bruno Lucchesi to visit their work studio. That was the true highlight <strong>of</strong> the<br />
day – viewing the wonderful array <strong>of</strong> completed sculptures by both Bruno and Ann as well as seeing<br />
works in progress and getting to interact with them and ask questions about techniques and ideas. The<br />
smiles and laughter flowed freely. (You can view slide shows <strong>of</strong> both Bruno’s and Ann’s sculpture on<br />
our website – www.ctsculptors.org.)<br />
The promised rain did not materialize, so the day was a special delight – talking about sculpture<br />
and art in a small group <strong>of</strong> friends – “hanging out” for the day, but with a purpose. Opportunities such<br />
as this are just one good reason for being a member <strong>of</strong> a group like the <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong> <strong>Sculptors</strong>.<br />
Hopefully you may be a part <strong>of</strong> the group next time.<br />
Some Possibilities for Summer Fun Mixed with Inspiration<br />
Summer Workshops are being <strong>of</strong>fered in<br />
many, many locations around the country. For us,<br />
there are two <strong>of</strong> special note—<br />
MARBLE CARVING with <strong>Fred</strong><br />
Brownstein. This workshop will be taking place<br />
from August 4 to 8 in Salem, New York. “This<br />
marble carving residency will <strong>of</strong>fer instruction in<br />
marble carving for a mixed group <strong>of</strong> participants<br />
from beginners to more experienced sculptors<br />
who wish to learn and improve their techniques.<br />
We will cover the three main phases <strong>of</strong> marble<br />
sculpture: roughing out, modeling with chisels and<br />
finishing. All tools and techniques will be<br />
demonstrated.<br />
5<br />
<strong>Fred</strong> X. Brownstein sculptures above<br />
and at right: “The Wall” and “Ricordo<br />
di Pr<strong>of</strong>umo” (from the 2006 NSS<br />
annual exhibit.<br />
SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
“For the more advanced participants we will work with the ‘machinetta’ (pointing device) to<br />
reproduce a plaster model in marble using the Italian pointing method for transferring accurate<br />
measurements.” (The cost is $525.) For more information, contact Salem Art Works, 19 Cary Lane<br />
Salem, New York 12865.<br />
<strong>Fred</strong> X. Brownstein is a Fellow <strong>of</strong> the National Sculpture <strong>Society</strong> who was recently featured in<br />
their News Bulletin. He is internationally known for his marble work. <strong>Fred</strong> says that living in Italy from<br />
1975 to 1991 was the foundation for all <strong>of</strong> his work.<br />
SCULPTURE with Paul Lucchesi. This workshop will take place from July 19 to 26 at the Punch<br />
Bowl, on the coast <strong>of</strong> Maine. The cost is around $1,300, which includes 4-6 hours <strong>of</strong> instruction per<br />
day, three meals daily, beautiful rooms with water views and daily instructor critiques on the Northwest<br />
Porch. “This five-day workshop will emphasize the individuality and expression <strong>of</strong> bas-relief sculpture<br />
with the Human Figure as the central theme. Paul will discuss different approaches and demonstrate<br />
techniques and structure throughout the week, helping students to gain both technical skill and<br />
confidence.” He reminds students that “the whole point is to have fun.” (Contact Gar Waterman, 425<br />
West Rock Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515)<br />
Paul Lucchesi is an accomplished painter, sculptor and teacher from Brooklyn, NY, and son <strong>of</strong><br />
Bruno Lucchesi.<br />
OTHER LOCAL WORKSHOP LOCATIONS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST: Arts Center at<br />
Killingworth, Carriage Barn Arts Center (New Canaan), Creative Arts Workshop (New Haven),<br />
Guilford Art Center, Lyme Academy <strong>of</strong> Fine Arts (Old Lyme), New Haven Paint & Clay Club,<br />
Rowayton Arts Center, Silvermine School <strong>of</strong> Art (Norwalk).<br />
ARTS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (A New Column)<br />
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By Louise Wiley<br />
George Bernard Shaw said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these<br />
apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we<br />
exchange these ideas, then each <strong>of</strong> us will have two ideas.”<br />
I would like to begin a new column to appear in our future newsletters which will hopefully<br />
exchange ideas and benefit us all. Who among us knows everything about sculpting? Have you ever<br />
been trying to complete a project and run into a problem which you may have had difficulty solving?<br />
Have you solved a problem and are willing to share your solution with other sculptors? Has a new idea<br />
or technique come into your bag <strong>of</strong> tricks which may be helpful to others? Have you had an interesting<br />
experience with a gallery, show place, foundry, a new or different tool?<br />
Let’s have a question-and-answer – helpful hints (information) – section. No matter what medium<br />
you work in, we all can learn and pr<strong>of</strong>it from our fellow artists, but you can’t learn if you don’t ask.
SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
Others will find it difficult if you won’t share. So… let me hear from you! Tell us all some <strong>of</strong> your<br />
personal, helpful experiences; give your best tips or ask questions about problems or concerns you may<br />
have.<br />
I’ll start <strong>of</strong>f by telling you something that I found. This is one example <strong>of</strong> information which is not<br />
necessarily easy to find.<br />
We all know the importance <strong>of</strong> the quality <strong>of</strong> your photos. Some <strong>of</strong> us can take our own stills or<br />
slides but with a new pr<strong>of</strong>essional innovation, pictures can be obtained which far exceed any up to now.<br />
A photographer I know will take great CD’s, slides, prints and also has equipment which gives him the<br />
ability to photograph your art pieces while being rotated. This can be particularly great for display on<br />
your web site, for submissions to galleries or jurors in competitions and exhibitions who will now be<br />
able to see your work from every side. This photographer will come to your studio to take as many<br />
pictures as you wish without the hassle <strong>of</strong> transporting your statues to another location.<br />
Contact: Jack Bonura, 631-560-1183.<br />
(Contact Louise Wiley at wileyartist@comcast.net with your input for this column.)<br />
SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong> <strong>Sculptors</strong>, Inc.<br />
P.O. Box 415<br />
Essex, CT 06426<br />
Return to the Acton Library for a Summer Show<br />
We have contacted the Acton Library in Old Saybrook and they are delighted to have our sculpture<br />
show there again this summer. The library has a very large influx <strong>of</strong> people on a daily basis during the<br />
months <strong>of</strong> July and August, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity again to show in their light<br />
and airy main room. Watch your mailboxes for the show details—submission <strong>of</strong> photos, jurying dates,<br />
delivery and pickup <strong>of</strong> accepted works, etc.<br />
(We are always on the lookout for venues for shows. Please let John Molloy know if you have any<br />
suggestions about possible future places to show – at Johnmol3@aol.com.)<br />
Thanks for the Support!<br />
A special thank-you goes out to those members who have supported the <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong><br />
<strong>Sculptors</strong> with a financial contribution above and beyond the basic membership fee this year. (Some <strong>of</strong><br />
these people have been doing so for years.) The <strong>Society</strong> wants to recognize their gifts.<br />
Kenneth Bruno<br />
Gerald Freedman<br />
Steffi Friedman<br />
Jacqueline Lobdell<br />
Sylvia Margison<br />
Maurice Maultz<br />
David Millen<br />
Richard Pauler<br />
Wayne Southwick<br />
Jack Yerkes<br />
OUR MEMBERS SHINE!<br />
Congratulations to Louise Wiley and Corina Alvarezdelugo for their recent successes with their<br />
work. On April 22, Louise attended the reception and unveiling <strong>of</strong> her six-foot-high bronze <strong>of</strong> an<br />
osprey swooping up a fish in its talons. It was commissioned by the owner <strong>of</strong> the Saybrook Point Inn.<br />
The sculpture now adorns the entrance to the inn. The owner has also commissioned two 42”-high terra<br />
cotta pieces <strong>of</strong> Viscount Say and Lord Brook (for whom the town <strong>of</strong> Saybrook was named) and those<br />
pieces will be inside the inn, in the restaurant.<br />
Corina Alvarezdelugo is showing her work at the Interlaken Inn and Conference Center in the<br />
Northwest corner <strong>of</strong> the state – in Lakeville, on Route 112. The opening reception was on <strong>May</strong> 10th.<br />
The exhibit will continue until September.<br />
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SCS Newsletter <strong>May</strong>, <strong>2008</strong><br />
SURVEY & MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION<br />
Please fill out the survey below and return it to:<br />
Harold Wright, 81 Green Hill Road Killingworth, CT 06419.<br />
Name_______________________________________________________________________________<br />
_____I have been a member <strong>of</strong> SCS for ____________ years.<br />
_____I would like to become a member <strong>of</strong> SCS. Benefits include newsletters, venues for exhibiting work,<br />
social events with other sculptors, etc. (Individual membership is $45 per year. Please send a check<br />
made out to SCS to: <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Connecticut</strong> <strong>Sculptors</strong>, Inc., P.O. Box 415, Essex, CT 06426)<br />
_____I would be interested in writing an article for the newsletter or suggesting a focus for future<br />
articles.<br />
_____I have the following talent(s) that I would be willing to share with SCS members:<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
_____I would be willing to find paid advertiser(s) for the newsletter.<br />
_____I would like to participate in future exhibits.<br />
_____I am interested in attending social events—field trips, evening soirees, demonstrations or lectures.<br />
Comments:<br />
____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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