Milestone Moment

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Today in Sunnyvale, California a very special event will take place, marking an important moment for both the city and artist Carole Feuerman.  Tech powerhouse NetApp is unveiling Carole's monumental 'Double Diver,' a bronze beacon of balance, achievement, and trust dedicated to the city. 

L- 'Double Diver', 2014- bronze with patina finish; R- Carole Feuerman perfecting the 'Double Diver'

  For Sunnyvale, this occasion highlights a flourishing relationship between the community and the thriving NetApp corporation. For Carole, the honor of bestowing such a symbolic and prominent sculpture upon the city is both exhilarating and humbling. The ceremony, set to commence at 2pm Pacific time, is sure to be a glorious milestone for all parties involved. All in the area are encouraged to attend.

Monumental Quan, 2012

by Kelsey Zalimeni

An exploration of Carole Feuerman's oeuvre reveals topical threads throughout. While some pieces focus upon embodying one ideal at a time, others like Carole's 'Quan' series reflect multiple tenets simultaneously.  The featured sculpture here, 'Monumental Quan,' speaks through its scale, composition, and execution, to the primary values of its creator- grace, focus, and balance. 

Measuring 5 feet in height and roughly the same in width, 'Monumental Quan' manages to convey a delicate grace despite its voluminous presence.  The positioning of the figure assists with this aspect, displaying a swimmer poised permanently in a difficult physical maneuver. 

'Monumental Quan', 2012-  Oil & resin, stainless steel sculpture

Power and control are implied well through the figure alone, but speak even louder in pairing with the chrome-finish orb upon which she balances.  The mirrored surface threatens distraction, as viewers catch glimpses of their likeness in the midst of their experience with the piece. However, the reflective ball serves a more clever purpose, for 'Monumental Quan' is in fact above the entire space she occupies- stationed perfectly on top of a mini-world comprised by her surrounding environment.  She is, in a sense, among and above the audience at the same time.  

Origins: The Golden Mean

by Kelsey Zalimeni

In light of the upcoming NetApp unveiling event, this post highlights the piece which preceded and inspired 'Double Diver.'  'The Golden Mean,' a single bronze diver with goldleaf detail, is in fact the sculpture that started it all- balanced and stalwart, it stood as a beacon of human ambition and artistic accomplishment.  

'The Golden Mean', 2012

Bronze with Gold Leaf, 150 x 54 x 38 inches, Purchased by the City of Peekskill, NY

The attention to detail and anatomical correctness of this piece is astounding.  The polished bronze finish calls attention to every dip and curve of the figure's composition.  A testament to Carole's skill and vision, 'The Golden Mean' provides not only a pleasing view, but a starting point from which to trace her progression toward new innovations in 'Double Diver.'

FEUERMAN'S MONUMENTAL SCULPTURE INSTALLED BY TECH GIANT NETAP

by  Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's spectacular 'Double Diver' towers high, gleaming in a bronze patina finish.  Finally, this magnificent sculpture will be unveiled for the public on NetApp's grounds in Sunnyvale, California on May 30 at 2pm, Building 9.  This piece is NetApp's gift to the community, recognizing Sunnyvale's relationship with the company and their stalwart collective values.

'Double Diver', 2014- Bronze with patina finish- on site at NetApp headquarters, Sunnyvale, CA

This highly anticipated event is free and open to the public; NetApp encourages all who are able to attend.  Be sure to watch this short video below to see Carole's process with creating the 'Double Diver.'  This behind-the-scenes feature is narrated by Carole as she takes you through the inception and execution of her magnificent masterpiece, step by step.

The 'Double Diver' in Carole's words, seeks to achieve the 'desirable balance between two extremes, symbolizing perseverance, trust and grace.'  This sculpture more than reflects these grand ideals- it embodies them.  

Next Summer

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Summertime arrives with promises of rest and relaxation. Carole Feuerman's 'Next Summer' brings the season's joys to life in the form of one very content poolgoer.  Decked out in a zesty printed suit, the figure revels in the luxury of her chrome inner tube.

'Next Summer', 2012, Painted Bronze and Polished Chrome

The illusion of flotation is cleverly achieved by installing the dense sculpture at the water level height. The pool display not only makes contextual sense, but creates a dynamic visual interplay between the water and chrome tube.  

'Next Summer', 2012, Painted Bronze and Polished Chrome

The tube's reflective surface also invites the viewer into the piece, allowing one to literally see themselves in paradise.  The audience can thus become apart of 'Next Summer,' joining into the poolside dreamworld of the figure before them. 

Focused Ambition

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's 'Hannah' goes off the beaten path of the other resin swimmers, preferring athletic competition over leisurely floating.  Adorned with an 'Olympic Cascade Aquatics' swim cap and a purple-strapped suit, the sculpture bears a solemn countenance of focused ambition.

'Hannah', 2014

Oil on Resin, 12 x 14 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist

This sculpture's purpose is not simply to look beautiful or stand as a muse.  'Hannah' embodies dedication and preparation, athletic prowess and power.  The figure emulates qualities much like her creator, a tenacious woman aiming straight for the top of her game.  Consider 'Hannah' as ode to anyone with the grit and focus of an olympic competitor, regardless of their occupation.

Great Anticipation

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and as a nod to moms everywhere, this post considers Carole's 'Mona Lisa.'  This painted resin swimmer is basking in the glory of her pregnancy, proudly displaying her figure in a bikini.  Her easy yet mysterious smile resembles that of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous 'Mona Lisa.'

"Mona Lisa", 2014

Oil on Resin, 37 x 42 x 66 inches, Collection of the artist

To bring a child into this world is a great privilege and honor. Such a wondrous and precious experience bonds mothers everywhere. 'Mona Lisa' pays homage to the majesty of motherhood, capturing the female form in the peak of pregnancy.  Although resting, the figure is vibrant and robust; her aura glows bright in anticipation.

Carole's Picks: Alyssa Monks

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole's Pick for this month is an American painter named Alyssa Monks. Her hyperreal pieces are just as luscious as they are convincing.  The surfaces are rich with a wavy impasto texture; every aspect of her paintings incites the desire to touch.

"Squid", 2012- Oil on linen

Water is a staple element in Monks' oeuvre, whether the figure is submerged in, emerging from, or obscured by its presence.  Her ability to convey the glistening subtleties of water's interaction with human skin is truly remarkable.  The vast range within her palettes infer a mastery of color theory.

"Comply", 2013 -Oil on panel

By virtue of their wetness, Monks' figures are overtly sexual and tantalizing.  Their gaze is often set to engage the viewer directly, peering out from the canvas in search of intimate interaction.

"Loss", 2014- Oil on linen

Carole first grew fond of Alyssa Monk's work when the two showed together in Germany at Kunstmuseum Ahlen.  Both were featured in in the exhibition Intimacy! Bathing in Art, as well as the show's resulting monograph.  Explore more of Alyssa Monks' paintings on her website here.