sand cast sculpture

Sand Cast Bronze: Madonna and Magda by Carole Feuerman

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman first gained notoriety for her pristine hyperreal swimmers.  Since establishing herself as a master of painted resin, she has expanded her repertoire and forged ahead to new types of media. One fantastic direction Carole has taken is to sand cast bronze, of which she has made numerous gorgeous impressions of the human body.

Madonna, 2002Bronze, 31 x 16 x 5 inches, Private collection

Madonna, 2002

Bronze, 31 x 16 x 5 inches, Private collection

The chance marks of the cast sand form a lacy, luxurious pattern across the surface.  The patina finish provides a striking color palette which radiates a most alluring glow.  The piece retains immense detail in certain areas without sacrificing its gestural beauty. An aesthetic such as this is a tough balance to strike, but successfully met in these works.

Madonna (rear), 2002Bronze, 31 x 14 x 8 inches, Private collection

Madonna (rear), 2002

Bronze, 31 x 14 x 8 inches, Private collection

Magda II, 2008Bronze, 32 x 26 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist

Magda II, 2008

Bronze, 32 x 26 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist

Carole's sand cast bronzes of Magda and Madonna celebrate the human form and its natural beauty.  The randomized patterning on the surface reminds us that we humans are in fact of the Earth, a wondrous product of chance.  The sculptures seem to be emerging or even born from the clay, reconnecting us to our primal essence. 

Magda I, 2008Bronze, 37 x 22 x 11 inches, Private collection

Magda I, 2008

Bronze, 37 x 22 x 11 inches, Private collection

This short video below has captured Carole painting with fire, creating these bronze masterpieces.