Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Featuring Sculptor Joe Gitterman


Stunning, breathtaking, and dynamic are just a few ways to describe sculptor Joe Gitterman's works of art. Using a unique array of fine metals and finishes, his designs become a focal point of interest whether in a residential, commercial, or public domain.

Mr Gitterman has an impressive list of private commissions and has the ability to fabricate his sculptures in many sizes. Please enjoy his fascinating story and our discussion below.



1) Joe thank you so much for participating in this interview. Your sculptures are stunning! After an illustrious career on the New York Stock Exchange, what propelled you into the life of a professional artist and sculptor?


I took my first art classes many years ago when my wife was working nights in the theater. I was working in the New York Stock Exchange at the time and my nights were free so I decided to put them to good use and nurture my interest in art. It became a hobby that I spent a lot of time on. I worked in plaster, wood and marble but really fell in love with metal. In 2011 I happen to participate in a gallery show and ended up selling a few pieces. It was a pleasant surprise to me that my pieces sold. I quickly mounted a website and became a full-time working artist.



2) When did you first become interested in the arts? 


Like many people I owe my interest in arts to a teacher.  My 6th grade teacher was fantastic and really encouraged me to express myself through art. 



3) Your sculptures are infused with movement. How does your thought process work when you begin a new piece or a new series of art?

It's a process in which I get a picture in my mind. I try to create what I am visualizing but sometimes I end up with something different than I originally envisioned. Sometimes that ends up being a really exciting surprise

4)  Who has influenced your style and creativity? Are there mentors or other artists that you respect and admire?

To name just three I would say Brancusi, Hepworth and Moore. My mentors and other artists that I admire is a very long list of amazing talents and contemporaries that have helped me. Too many to mention. 



5) Joe, I understand you do many private commissions from clients such as the renowned interior designer Robert Couturier to Norwegian Cruise Lines. Would you tell us more about that? 


For me the most exciting aspect of doing a commissioned piece or pieces is creating something that fits into and compliments the aesthetic of a specific location or design need. It is very different than creating something I love for myself. I recently installed a piece in a luxury residential building by architecture icon Robert A.M. Stern in Washington DC. It is the only sculpture in the building. 


6) Where can readers find your sculptures and do you have any upcoming exhibits? 

I'm working on some future exhibits and more information is available on my website - WWW.JOEGITTERMAN.COM  I am also on Instagram, Pinterest, FaceBook and some art exhibition sites. 



7) What is your advice to the beginning artist of any age? 


Be passionate about what you do and always keep exploring. 


Thank you again, Joe! 


Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Monday, February 1, 2016

An Anthology of Decorated Papers


Courtesy Thames and Hudson


An Anthology of Decorated Papers
A Sourcebook for Designers
By P.J.M. Marks


A collection of gorgeously reproduced decorated papers alongside a thoughtful and carefully researched history of this often-overlooked art.




p 12  Paper from the Réveillon workshop in Paris, c. 1745. (detail)
© 2016 The British Library

Decorated papers have been used for centuries, from early as early as 105 AD in the Chinese courts, up to when Benjamin Franklin produced bank notes which were marbled to avoid fraud.  They have been used as wrapping, in bookbinding, as liners, stationary and art. This luxe publication is filled with glorious papers which will thrill almost anyone, especially those with a love of design and the decorative arts.


p 15  Comb-marbled end-leaf from John Evelyn’s gold-tooled leather prayer book, a present from his sister Elizabeth in 1685. (detail) © 2016 The British Library

Sourced from the Olga Hirsch Collection at the British Library, one of the largest and most varied collections of decorated papers in the world, the author, P.J.M. Marks takes us on a journey through examples of brocade paper, block-printed paper, paste papers, gilded, marbled papers and more.


p 130 Eighteenth-century German brocade paper on a green background. Patterned textiles often featured similar motifs. (detail) © 2016 The British Library


P.J.M. Marks is curator of book-bindings at the British Library. Her previous books include The British Library Guide to Bookbinding, Treasures in Focus: Decorated Papers and Beautiful Bookbindings. 

Thank you to Thames & Hudson for the review copy of this book. It can be purchased for your library here

Please do leave a comment!

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena


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