Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum

I remember visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum as a young teen and being so impressed with their collection. It was probably my favorite museum for quite a number of years.

Well, Americans do not need to venture to London to see some of the collection--in fact, an exhibition of alabaster devotional sculptures is currently on display at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine through
June 26.

Alabaster production during the Middle Ages centered on the making and selling of finely decorated, gilded and colored sculpture to churches, nobles, and owners of private chapels. More common examples, however, were intended to brighten the homes and spiritual lives of people of modest means and are now treasured as the folk art of the ordinary medieval English man and woman. Due to this range in intended audience, this assemblage of English alabasters offers an unrivalled glimpse into the spiritual lives, hopes, fears and religious aspirations of both aristocratic and non-aristocratic society during the Middle Ages.

Whether you are interested in devotionals, stone carving or sculpture in general, this would be a good stop if you are in the northeastern part of the US this spring-early summer.

This exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. This exhibition is supported by a grant from The Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

Additional information on this display may be found here.

Stone Sculptor Works in Limestone and Marble

Local sculptor Gene Milway took art lessons in high school, but like most of us pursued other ways to make a living. About 40 years ago Gene first started sculpting using clay.

Now Gene carves in limestone and in marble--Yule marble from here in Colorado and Carrara marble from Italy.

He has attended the popular Marble Marble symposium five times. This symposium is organized by another local sculptor, Madeline Wiener, and it takes place in Marble, Colorado near Aspen every summer.

Gene has also spent 3 weeks in Italy near the famous Carrara marble quarry.

I have met Gene and his lovely wife, Gaea. While I was at their home, Gene showed me his pieces and was very generous with his time telling and showing me a variety of tools he uses in his studio at home.

Gene's work is often displayed in Fort Collins' Lincoln Center, and the sculpture shows in Loveland: Sculpture in the Park and the Loveland Sculpture Invitational.

New Zealand Arts in My Thoughts

New Zealand is a beautiful country and I met so many wonderful people while I traveled there years ago.

My thoughts are with them as the rebuild Christchurch after the earthquake that devastated the historic downtown region and now with the miners trapped due to the explosion in the mine.

As lives, families and cities are rebuilt, it takes the combined efforts and positive thoughts of us all to bring the best possible outcome given the circumstances beyond our control. Truly, many of these people are going through a horrific time--one that we would not wish upon anyone.

Rebuilding the cities will be the easier task. It is time-consuming, but they are blessed to have an abundance of beautiful stone (Oamaru stone is great for both sculpture and buildings) and talented artisans for reconstruction. There are options as to whether they choose to rebuild in the style of that which was lost or go for a new look altogether as Napier did years ago when it was destroyed. That city was rebuilt in the then contemporary style (Art Deco) and is a testament of how we can take advantage of a tragedy and turn it into a time capsule of sorts...creating an artistic and historic snapshot of a different era.

Lives and families are not so easily reassembled, and my thoughts are with all who have been touched by these disasters. May you know peace, love and beauty in your lives.

Back in the Studio

Having injured my shoulder (don't ask me how, because I don't know) I have not been able to be in the studio much for the past 6 months.

I've been busy with trips home to see my mother who was having some health issues...she seems to be pretty stable and accepting some help now, so that is good.

This week I have actually gotten in the studio twice! I am so happy.

Have a new little bird that I carved. Really I suppose it was more whittled since I'm not really up to hammer and chisel. Small piece of soft serpentine. Very easy to work.

I've done all the sanding, now I'm letting her dry. Then I'll see if I like what I've done or if I want to change any of the texture before I polish her and decide on her base.

Originally I had thought I would have a wall mounted piece as she is thin and really one sided. Now that she is done I'm thinking she would look great perched on a rock. I found a piece of igneous stone that would be a nice contrast. I'll have to think about that!

New Zealand Gallery Annual Sale

If you happen to be in New Zealand this month, be sure to stop by the Birdwoods Gallery in Hawkes Bay. They are having their annual sale so it is a great opportunity to buy some art to go with fine wine from the region.

Birdwoods has a nice collection of Shona stone sculpture along with metal pieces. In November 2009, Louise and Bruce converted an additional paddock into a beautiful sculpture walk with extensive olive tree plantings. Visitors follow a meandering mown path to view a further display of stone sculptures, as well as the life size metal giraffes and crocodiles. Sizes and prices range to fit every budget and suitcase (or shipping container.)

Birdwoods also has a Sweet Shop to tempt you as you stroll the garden...so literally they have something for every taste!

Birdwoods Gallery, Sculpture Garden and Sweet Shop Welcome to Birdwoods - a very special place in the heart of beautiful Hawke's Bay. Set in the countryside just 3km from Havelock North village, Birdwoods Gallery and its small companion, the Birdwoods Sweet Shop, are a 'must see' for all visitors and locals. Opened in February 2005 by Bruce and Louise Stobart, Birdwoods Gallery features sculpture and decorative arts from both local and African artists. The gallery's home is the original church hall from St Peter's in Waipawa dating from the late 1800’s which Bruce and Louise moved to its new home on Middle Road in 2004. The old hall has since been surrounded with a beautiful sculpture garden. Right next door to Birdwoods Gallery is the Birdwoods Sweet Shop, an old fashioned sweet shop 'just like you remember' housed in a charming one room colonial cottage made from reclaimed materials. Opened in December 2006, the cottage is a treasure trove of old fashioned sweets, lemonade, sherbet, fudge, ice creams and other novelties.

Stone Sculpture Connects Zimbabwe, Colorado and New Zealand

Here in Loveland we have our wonderful Chapungu Sculpture Park which features stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. The setting is beautiful with water and views of the Rocky Mountains.

Well, I just got an update from a wonderful gallery in New Zealand which also promotes the wonderful Shona sculptures and has a sculpture garden as well, the Birdwoods Gallery

Whether you are in beautiful Colorado or New Zealand, you can see and collect fabulous works of art from Zimbabwe, and join the many collectors of these Shona masterpieces.

Raw Stones and Sculptures on Sale

Chapungu Warehouse & Gallery is having a Thank You Promotion
You can get 50% off all craft items, catalogs & books AND RAW STONE from Zimbabwe!

This is a great deal if you are a stone sculptor...I know I'll be heading over there to pick some stone up!

Also you can get 40% off all other sculptures...and if you want to commission a piece you can get 20% off that! This is a great opportunity for you to start or add to your art collection! They represent some of the very best sculptors in Zimbabwe and have pieces in all range of sizes and prices.

If you've never been, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet some fantastic people and see some gorgeous sculpture from Zimbabwe. (If you've already been there, then you know what I'm talking about!)

Address: 1052 N. Boise Ave, Unit B (it is a BIG warehouse, in the back), Loveland, CO
Tel: 970-461-8020

Check out their website: www.ChapunguSculpturePark.com
And if you want to email them: rgatchap@aol.com

And if you enjoy what you see there, be sure to check out the Chapungu Sculpture Park, located at I-25 and Hwy 34 in Loveland. Only 1 hour north of Denver...well worth the drive...the best collection of Sculpture from Zimbabwe in North America!

Agnes Nyanhongo Sculptor from Zimbabwe

Really nice post about the fabulous sculptor (and incredible woman) Agnes Nyanhongo.

If you have never seen her work, you can see some photos by clicking the link and reading this post. You can also see Agnes' work in Loveland, Colorado at the Chapungu Sculpture Park where many of her larger pieces are part of a beautiful multi-acrea display. Some of Agnes' smaller pieces are available for sale through the Chapungu Gallery.

I'm honored to have met and sculpted alongside Agnes while she has been visiting Colorado in the past...and I look forward to seeing her again soon!















The Chapungu Gallery and Sculpture Park feature extremely talented stone sculptors from Zimbabwe. The park is off I-25 and Hwy 34, only 1 hour from Boulder and Denver, en route to Ft Collins and Greeley.

We are fortunate in Loveland to be home to many, many talented sculptors and TWO fantastic sculpture parks!

Stone Sculpting Workshop May and June with Stalin Tafura

Those of us who live in the Denver area have been very fortunate to have numerous master sculptors from Zimbabwe provide workshops--thanks to the Chapungu Sculpture Park, whose Director is Roy Guthrie.

I am proud to call Stalin Tafura friend...he comes from a long line of talented stone sculptors. While you can see the family style reflected in Stalin's work (he is part of the famous Nyanhongo family)he has forged his own style that embraces his heritage while setting himself apart.

I am thrilled to share the news that Stalin will be the Master Carver at workshops sponsored by Chapugu this summer--the first workshops begin next week...so don't delay. There are only a limited number of workshops and one of the best things is the groups are always kept small. You get lots of attention and coaching. These workshops are great for beginners with no experience and also for sculptors with experience but want to have a different perspective.

You can book online at Chapungu Sculpture Park

You may have seen exhibitions or participated in workshops either at the Denver Botanic Gardens or in Loveland...Chapungu has also had exhibitions and workshops in England and across the US, but Loveland, Colorado is proud to claim them as "ours"...

If you aren't from Loveland, be sure to come and experience why we are received the Governor's Art Award for 2008--be sure to stroll our sculpture parks and see our many fine galleries!

Chapungu Sculpture Park Free Guided Tours

I got this information from my friends at the wonderful Chapungu Gallery...

They have the largest collection of Zimbabwean Sculpture in North America. An awesome collection. We are so fortunate to have it here in Loveland, Colorado.

Loveland is only 1 hour from Denver...if you are in the area, be sure to check it out. Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that Roy Guthrie has to offer about the art and the people!

CHAPUNGU CONDUCTS SPECIAL SCULPTURE PARK TOUR ON VALENTINES DAY WITH ROY GUTHRIE

Chapungu is pleased to announce very special tours of Chapungu Sculpture Park every Saturday in February, March and April 2009. The exhibit of 82 monumental sculptures entitled, Chapungu: Stories In Stone-An African Perspective of Family is composed of eight sections displayed in 26 acres of natural and landscaped gardens. Two sections will be highlighted each Saturday.

The tours are FREE and start at 11:00am. All visitors to assemble at 10:45am on the east side of PF Changs and Biaggi's restaurants. Mr. Roy Guthrie will share his personal accounts of the individual artists; and their lives as well as their sculptures. Bottled water and hot chocolate will be provided to tour participants. Please note that Saturday February 14^th for Valentines Day the tour will include chocolate treats! Bring a loved one to tour the sections that weekend entitled The Family and The Children.

Chapungu Sculpture Park is adjacent to the Promenade Shops at Centerra, Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO 80538. Chapungu Warehouse and Gallery is now open on Saturdays from 10am-4pm at 1052 N. Boise Ave., Unit B, Loveland, CO. 80537 in addition to regular hours: Mon-Fri 9am-1.00pm.

For more information and directions please call 970-461-8020, or email kschroeder@chapungusculpturepark.com Also visit www.chapungusculpturepark.com

Happy New Year!

To all my sculptor friends and the people who love art--

May 2009 be one of peace, prosperity and creativity!

To doing what we love, and being the people that we want to be, to living the lives that we want to achieve.

Making Time for What Feeds My Soul

Yesterday was an awesome day...the first day in a long time that I actually went into the studio.

Don't ask why. There are lots of "reasons"...but no good justification for it.

I kept telling myself that I was too busy. It takes a long time to carve a stone and I "didn't have time"... I had to focus on other tasks that were "more important"...what I was forgetting was that keeping myself happy is one of the most important things I can do in this life.

Lesson to self: remember to feed your soul and you will be fed for the rest of your life.

"African Bazaar" , Sculptures and Stone Available

I heard from my friends at the Chapungu Gallery today...for all the stonecarvers out there, they have Springstone available in sizes up to 200 lbs.

For the first time in over two years, most of the Warehouse Gallery sculpture and all African Bazaar items are marked down by 25%.

This includes some beautiful work by Dominic Benhura, Amos Supuni, Arthur Fata, Royal Katiyo, Bernard Matemera and many other world famous artists.

Other items include batik products, beaded wire baskets, beaded Ndebele dolls, semi-precious stone eggs and paperweights as well as smaller stone sculptures in all of the beautiful stones of Zimbabwe starting at $5!

This offer is valid until December 19th for Warehouse Gallery items only.

Visit the warehouse location which houses the largest collection of Zimbabwean stone sculpture in North America. (1052 N. Boise Ave., Unit B, Loveland, CO.)

They are open 9-1pm M-Friday or by special appointment times, call 970-461-8020 to make appointments.

If you don't live in the Loveland area, they will send you images of these one of a kind sculptures to assist in your purchase.

For additional shopping, visit their online Gallery at www.chapungusculpturepark.com

Photo courtesy of Chapungu Warehouse Gallery

Do You Maquette?

As a sculptor, do you make a maquette before moving to your final piece?

I know many sculptors who do...and just as many who do not.

For art lovers who may not know what I'm talking about, a maquette is a miniature version of what the piece will ultimately turn out to be. This miniature gives the artist an opportunity to work out in 3 dimensions poses, the flow of the piece...basically the composition of the work. Maquettes are frequently made from clay, even if the final piece is to be carved from stone.

Some sculptors will even have a maquette bronzed...to be clear, a maquette is not the same as having a small sculpture that the artist then chooses to enlarge.

Some sculptors make their maquette in full detail. Others make only a rough model, enough to give them the composition details.

Personally, when carving stone I rarely create a maquette. I was taught a drawing method...I will actually draw on paper and directly on the stone. For me this allow a more direct relationship with the stone and the flexibility to work with the stone as it is rather than forcing my maquette vision upon it.

That being said, there are times when I grab some clay in order to work out a particular flow or shape...but my maquettes are not things of beauty! They are more like gesture drawings...just enough for me to get the feel of where I want to go with a piece.

I'd love to hear from other sculptors if they do or do not create maquettes, why, and to what level of finish do they take their maquettes!

Stone Sculptor Ellen Woodbury

I met Ellen Woodbury almost 3 years ago at a workshop taught by Collen Nyanhongo, a master stone sculptor from Zimbabwe. It was fun to get to know her and to see her work on her first stone.

Ellen is a fascinating, energetic, expressive person and her work reflects that. It also reveals her background as an animator for Disney, a position she held for 20 years! Ellen started her sculpting while still employed as an animator...like many sculptors she worked in clay.

So, while Jan. 2006 may have seen Ellen's first stone sculpture, she was no "newbie" in the art world. And it shows!

Ellen's work is simple and complex at the same time. Her pieces tell stories and engage the viewer.

We are fortunate to have Ellen call Loveland, Colorado home...come see her at the Sculpture in the Park show. She has exhibited there for the last two years--showing her stones--quite an accomplishment for a new medium!

Sculpture In the Community

More and more developers are discovering the value of including sculptures in their projects.

Recently I mentioned a local artist who has been commissioned to create sculptures for a project in Kansas.

Closer to home, Thompson Crossing, here in Loveland has created their own scupture walk. The area encompasses 40 acres of open space. The walk itself is 1-1/2 miles and runs through the neighborhood and down along the natural area, including the Big Thompson River.

The sculpture walk features 25 pieces of stone and bronze. Rather than sculptures of wildlife, Gary Hoover, president of Hartford Development Corporation, chose pieces that evoke thoughts and emotions. He combined the art with quotes which are engraved in stone with the goal of further provoking thoughts or touching the viewer.

In addition to the sculpture area, the walk has its nature area where the artwork is the flesh and blood wildlife that frequents it, such as fox, coyotes, ducks, geese and wild turkeys. Additionally there have been placed large boulders for seating so one can contemplate the river and enjoy the scene and sounds of nature.

Shona Sculpture Exhibition in New Zealand

The wonderful stone sculptors of Zimbabwe are having their 3rd annual exhibition at a winery in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. A gorgeous spot for exquisite work.

Louise and Bruce Stobart are originally from Zimbabwe and have created a special gallery, called Birdwoods Gallery. This gallery opened in 2005...and my visit to New Zealand was in 2000, so I have not actually been there, but the website tells their story and it looks like quite a nice place.

If I were nearer I would definitely pop in...somehow a flight from Colorado is not in the cards at the moment, but perhaps some of my Kiwi friends will go check it out and give me a report!

The Stobarts have no connection (as far as I know) to the director of the Chapungu Gallery here in Loveland, Colorado. I have met several of the sculptors and the director, as you know from earlier posts, and we have the wonderful gallery and sculpture park here to showcase this fantastic, expressive work. I'm pleased that the Shona work is having so many opportunities for exhibition around the world!

And if the treats for the eyes are not enough, you can get treats of another sort at the neighboring Summer Sweet Shop!

New Sites to View

I ran across some sculptor friends on Facebook (I'm new to this whole part of the internet)--I've added them to my recommended sites list but check out their work.

Stalin Tafura is a native of Zimbabwe. He comes from a family of stone sculptors. I have had the privilege of working with both he and his mother, Agnes Nyanhongo. Strong, elegant lines that at once reflect and break away from the family style. This young man is proving himself an excellent craftsman as well as unique artist.

Lorri Acott-Fowler works in clay and in bronze. Long legged images that provoke feelings of exploration, peace & harmony. Lorri brings a thoughtfulness to her work which is often filled with joy and light--not to be confused with being unsubstantial!

Stone Monuments

I've long been a fan of cemeteries. Even before I ever carved a stone, I enjoyed looking at the different headstones and monuments.

I was fascinated by the stories I read on the headstones, and those I imagined, and in awe at the incredible carvings out of stone.

Don't overlook your local Monument Works as a source for beautiful art. Many will create pieces for your home, not just your burial plot. We have a company in Greeley (The Greeley Monument Works) that has been in business for over 100 years and they have an entire portfolio of pieces they have created for gardens.

Whether you want a piece to remember a loved one who passed or just want a nice piece for your garden, keep these craftsmen in mind when you are looking for options.

Marble Sculptor Claire McArdle

Claire McArdle currently lives outside Longmont, Colorado and is a fantastic sculptor. She works in a variety of media, but I particularly like her marble pieces.

The Old Firehouse Art Center, 667 Fourth Ave, in Longmont is featuring McArdle's work in an exhibition called "Myth & Mystery" which runs through Oct. 18.

McArdle began working large scale in marble after visiting Italy. Three of hre large marble pieces will be in this Longmont exhibition.