Of
the millions of faces in this world, no two are alike. While most
have only one nose, two eyes, two ears, and a set of lips – the
variation of composite results never ceases to amaze me. Although
society may
dictate what makes one face more beautiful than the next, I see
all faces as temporary works of art and relish creating likenesses
that
will last indefinitely.
The Basics:
Now residing in Phoenix, I'm a graduate of the University
of Oregon in Eugene where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in
1982. I was fortunate enough to have had the very talented sculptor,
Paul Buckner, as my instructor during those four years. I've
had my figurative sculptures displayed at Brown's Galleries in Boise
and McCall, Idaho from 1990-1999 and specialize in portraiture on a
commission basis.
Portraits
or other pieces may be commissioned. Options include your preference
of bust size, clay color, patina or glaze color, and hardwood base
fixture with marble tile. Piece may be ordered in hot or cold cast
bronze, or cast marble.
The examples shown are all fired clay (porcelain, terra cotta and stoneware)
or bonded bronze, and range in size from 6 to 20 inches.
The
preferred method for creating the portrait is by meeting with the
subject, having a photo session and live sittings if possible. If
this is not possible due to circumstances such as inability to travel
to the Phoenix area, the sculpture is to be a surprise gift, or the
subject is no longer with us, quality photos (front and profile minimum)
may be mailed or digital photos can be submitted via e-mail.
"Portrait Sculpture Simplified" Offering
step by step instructions for creating portrait sculpture - simply, quickly,
and with reliable results.
If
you are interested in learning detailed information about modeling, finishing,
and casting
portraits, click here to read about my ebook that is now available
....
Born
in Lancaster, CA -1960, the last child of 8, my love of sculpting
developed at an early age when I discovered that I could make figures
out of the clay soil of the hot Mojave desert and that they would
dry to a state of permanency when left out in the scalding sun.
When
in the 7th grade, I was assigned a science project with the freedom
to do anything I wanted. I had intended to carve an anatomical recreation
of a horse (in wood) with every muscle emphasized and labeled - and
I could see exactly how to do it in my mind. I presented this idea
to my teacher, and he shot it to the ground, ridiculing the idea that
I could even attempt such a thing. I don't remember the project I ended
up doing, but I am sure it was neither fun, educational, nor memorable
(obviously).
Sharing
the works of other
family members
My
mother, Betty Schwartz, is still an active oil painter now in her 80's
and has her works in galleries along the beautiful Oregon coast. Specifically,
Newport, Or. I dabbled at painting and drawing in my youth - winning
several awards at the county fair for my pen and ink works - but never
developed a knack for mixing color. 3 dimension just seemed to
come more naturally. Besides, though I've been told that I am "thick
skinned" by my coworkers, I wouldn't have taken the criticism very
well from my mother, who is quite a remarkable painter.
I
also have one brother, Mick Schwartz, who has dedicated his lifetime
to making things in clay. He lives in Paradise, CA, and is an amazing
potter. I would love it if he would give me some glazing tips. You
can check out his work throug:
I have been
sculpting on and off all of my life - unfortunately more off - between
raising two children and working a full time job at a terrific software
development
company (infograph.com).
I have spent many wee hours in the morning working on a piece, long after any
sane person would have gone to bed, knowing that if they don't their brain
will be mush the next day. For some reason, when I am working on a piece, I
just can't
pull myself away - I keep seeing "just one more thing" I want to do before I
stop. I look forward to retirement when I will have the time and the freedom
to really pursue my passion, and to develop whatever
sliver of "talent" that I have been given. But alas, that is a few years away
yet...
