In The Mix

by Kelsey Zalimeni

The majority of swimmers that Carole Feuerman sculpts are female. This choice widely reads as the artist's effort to represent the female form in a way that glorifies the figure without objectifying it. By investing the female form with a dignified, heroic essence, Feuerman has removed the Classical notions of feminine depiction, with woman as 'object of desire.' Knowing this, what do we make of the select male figures within Carole's oeuvre?  Instead of viewing them as arbitrary or opposite to her ethos, Carole's male swimmers can be seen as a necessary presence, 'in the mix.'

'Matteo', 2008-2011- Oil on Resin, 19 x 20 x 10 inches, Collection of the artist

'In the mix' simply implies the egalitarian mindset of Carole as an artist; a conscious effort to include the male figure amongst her many female sculptures.  She takes the same care and effort to the rendering of her male subjects, achieving looks of meditation and gentleness without them appearing effeminate.  

'Diver', 2014 - Bronze, 77 x 25 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist

Carole shows that her cornerstone values of peace, balance and strength  are shared traits amongst both genders.  Rendering both male and female subjects keeps Carole's message relevant and coherent, free of the pigeonhole label of feminist art.

'Butterfly', 2008-2011, Oil on Resin, 21 x 22.5 x 21"- Oil on Resin, 21 x 22.5 x 21 inches, Private Collection

Carole's Picks: Becky Franco

by Kelsey Zalimeni

At first glance, Becky Franco's works might be mistaken for photographs of beautiful interiors and decorative architecture.  However, Franco's tantalizing scenes are in fact oil paintings rendered in photoreal quality.  Carole has recently discovered the intriguing works of this artist, thus naming Franco as the her Pick for this month of June. 

'Clarity', 2009- Oil on canvas

A Havana, Cuba native, Franco completed a BFA with Honors in the United States from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn. Her main influence throughout artistic training was the Photo Realist movement of the 1970’s. In her budding career after graduation, she became the first female billboard artist to join the Sign & Pictorial Display Union. She painted billboards for fifteen years, later shifting her focus, to strictly private painting commissions. To continue the expansion of her artistic prowess, Franco set out to obtain an MFA from Queens College, New York in 2008. She is currently represented by soho20gallery in Chelsea, New York.

Becky Franco amongst her iconic painting subjects

www.beckyfranco.com

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.