Jeffro Uitto scours the Washington coast for perfect pieces of driftwood, then spends years combining and carving them into wondrous works of art. He makes functional pieces like extravagant chairs, benches and tables, and his animal sculptures have garnered a lot of press lately, but I think his conceptual sculpture is where it’s at.
The wood is so polished and smooth, it’s like nature’s been brought to perfection, especially since a lot of the works stand tall just like trees would. He photographs the works on the beach too, taking them back to the place where he first found the wood to begin with and making his whole artistic process cyclical and complete.
“Wherever he might be, Tokeland, WA is where Jeffro’s heart is. While enjoying the sound of the waves, Jeff will be working away at his next creation… Visitors are surprised to see that many of Jeffro’s tools are hand made by the artist himself. After you get to know him this isn’t surpising at all. Jeffro has a creative fire that burns hot and it keeps him going full speed when he’s working (and playing). ”
Jed Leiknes’ work is kind of frightening, but in a haunted house/horror movie kind of way. Flesh melts and skulls stare straight at you without eyes. Everything looks like it’s on fire but somehow isn’t burning. The paint looks so alive, like somehow it’s still moving even after it’s dry.
Which is what makes Leiknes’ time lapse video so consuming – you watch the paint in action before the show even starts. Because the colors don’t really get to work until the image is complete.
Antonio Corradini lived from 1668 until June 1752, and he worked as a Rococo sculptor in Venice. There’s not a lot known about him, but he’s most famous for his veiled women, and it’s not hard to see why.
Her smooth skin shines right through the thin ripples of the veil resting softly – it spills off noses and ears like tiny waterfalls of marble. But the eyes can always be seen so clearly, closed against the veil pressed against them.
Bust of a Veiled Woman (Puritas), 1717-25 Marble Museo del Settecento Veneziano, Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice source.
Corradini played a huge role in solidifying the role of sculptors as ‘artists’ in the early 18th century. In 1723 he is supposed to have been the first person to legally separate the professions of sculptors and stonemasons, creating a school for sculptors and developing it as an official artistic profession.
His “Portrait of Modesty” (below) lives in the Naples museum, Cappella Sansevero, and her posture and accessories make it look like she was made for a church, even though she’s nearly naked through that thin thin veil – standing casually beautiful with eyes closing.
“Modesty,” 1751 Marble, Cappella Sansevero, Napoli source.
Full disclosure: all info from Corradini’s Wikipedia page.
