Feuerman's Book 'Swimmers' Now Available For Pre-Order
by Kelsey Zalimeni
At long last, Carole Feuerman's book Swimmers is set to finally hit the shelves. John Yau of the Artist Book Foundation contributes an insightful, thorough investigation of Feuerman's works in an exquisite essay. Below is a small excerpt:
Feuerman’s women are the most recent descendants of Botticelli’s painting, The Birth of Venus. In counterpoint to Venus’s modesty, these women, with the exception of the one titled Sunburn, savor their own bodies. At home in their skin, their erotic joy is both palpable and private. However much viewers may wish to peer or pry – to learn what they are thinking – the world they inhabit excludes us.
Swimmers, by Carole Feuerman
The book features full-page color images of Feuerman's sculptures in gorgeous detail. Swimmers is now available for pre-order on Amazon- issues are going fast, so be sure to secure yours today!
The Swan
by Kelsey Zalimeni
Feuerman is the only figurative artist to hyper-realistically paint bronze for use in outdoor public art and install these sculptures in the water. She knows full well the ability of art to impact and enrich lives. Her commissioned works such as the Soledad and Robert Hurst Commission reflect her artistic integrity and willingness to share her gift with others outside of gallery and museum walls. A private and special sculpture, the commission features Hurst's children on a large stainless steel swan. This pair exude feelings of youthful joy and familial bonding.
'The Swan' 2014- oil on bronze, stainless steel
Even if the audience doesn't know the Hurst family, the same messages of childhood innocence and blissful simplicity still come across. The piece is thus a beautiful symbol of familial values for all viewers to enjoy.
Since the piece has been installed, Hurst's doorbell hasn't stopped ringing by worried neighbors sighting his children sitting alone on his lake.
Beacon of Bliss
by Kelsey Zalimeni
Between her cheerful yellow raincoat and content countenance, 'New York City Slicker' could be called a beacon of bliss. This painted bronze serves a public purpose in both its presence and message, beautifying its installation site while inspiring goodwill and happiness amongst viewers.
New York City Slicker, 2013
Painted Bronze, 63 x 35 x 28 inches, Mana Contemporary Art Center
The sheer mass of the piece commands attention, standing five feet and three inches from the equally tall concrete podium. Although it towers above any passersby, the figure does not intimidate or impose but rather invites further inspection through its pleasant palette and beautiful details. 'New York City Slicker' was first debuted at Mana Contemporary Art Center in 2013, where it quickly became a crowd favorite. Wherever the piece goes next, happiness is sure to follow.
Giving and Taking II
by Kelsey Zalimeni
The sand-cast bronze 'Giving and Taking II' depicts two lovers locked in an amorous embrace. The title implies an egalitarian ideal for relationships, striving for stasis through constant reciprocation. The focus is cropped to the trunk and arms of the figures for emphasis on the physical and emotional exchange between them.
"Giving and Taking II", 2008
Bronze, 24 x 7 x 8 inches, Collection of Rudolf Gutlich
The sculpture achieves a deep sensuality without overt, literal exposure. There is a tantalizing secrecy to the encounter, as both figures shield one another from the outside world. They emerge together from the wall, bound in their union and determined to remain indivisible.
Carole's Picks: John Clement
by Kelsey Zalimeni
It's time again for the monthly edition of Carole's Picks. July's featured artist is John Clement, a minimalist sculptor specializing in large-scale public works. Clement's interlocking coils of steel create a dynamic, centrifugal energy that draws viewers into the work while safely providing sections to sit, lean or stand on. The pieces are titled after the objects that inspired them, such as the select works shown below: 'Tusk', 'Squirt' and 'Orange Blossom'.
Clement creates these sculptures with intent to offer viewers multiple options for encounter- some enjoy quiet reflection, others gather round for social rituals, and still more take the opportunity for spatial investigation. The versatility of the work and the intersubjectivity of its experience make for a durable relevance across the ages.
View John Clement's Sculpture.org profile here.
Francesca
by Kelsey Zalimeni
Carole Feuerman has established a certain signature style of sculpture that conveys balance, peace, and the natural beauty of the human body. 'Francesca' evokes these qualities, but also branches into ideals of solitude and contemplation. Seemingly locked in a state of endless meditation, the figure brings out a more solemn side to Carole's expressions.
'Francesca', 2008-2011
Oil on Resin, 35 x 18.5 x 9 inches, Private collection
Her hands are clasped behind her back, but her posture is relaxed. While viewers aren't privy to her exact thoughts, one might imagine the swimmer is lost in a daydream or simply resting after a rigorous pool workout. Her aura is both cool and positive, focused but free of worry. This pensive figure is surely a unique feature within Carole's oeuvre- a little different, but in line with the artist's ethos.
Tree
by Kelsey Zalimeni
Carole Feuerman's 'Tree' invests the human form with refreshing simplicity and innocent purity. Delicately posed with a downward gaze, the figure emanates a coy comfortability in her state of exposure. Her slender frame and dainty features imply both a gentle nature and physical youth.
'Tree with Leaves', 2011
Oil on Resin Sculpture with Interactive Projection, Dimensions Variable, Private Collection
The swim cap upon her head is green and leafy, purposing itself as an organic adornment in place of its usual utility role. The tree stump beneath the figure reinforces the naturalistic theme while serving as a pedestal. Tying the piece together is the multicolor digital projection of leaves onto the surface. This mechanism adds a layer of complexity to the work, as it fuses a classic form of artmaking with new media. This sculpture floats between dreamlike and realist, innocence and confidence... which, in turn, is truly ideal.
The Message
by Kelsey Zalimeni
Carole Feuerman's bronze sculpture 'The Message' recalls simpler times of communication, before the days of emails, smartphones, and social media. The shimmering figure stoops gracefully to retrieve a mysterious note; the viewer is left to wonder about its contents and sender. With her polished bronze finish, it is almost as though this woman is comprised of the sunlight she basks in.
'The Message', 2013- Bronze, 46 x 27 x 32 inches
The figure is shown in a phase of tension between receiving and reading this message. There is no subject line, no sender address... no telling who or where it is from until she reads it. 'The Message' romanticizes human communication through this glimmering bronze figure caught in a moment of suspense.