Yes, it is time again to prepare for Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair and opening receptions at Sunset Gallery, San Clemente.

       The  Art-A-Fair, open from June 27 to August 31, 2008,  draws visitors from all over the world, and they have been most enthusiastic about personal reliefs. I have had requests for plaques of their grandchildren, their pet and one of a deceased daughter, and a portrait of grandfather.  I love to be able to preserve these special memories.   Two recent commissions are below and more new work on "Bronze Gallery and More" tab.  

                                I was asked to create a tribute relief portrait of Hanz Sulzer, founder and past president of the Swiss Club.  Several photographs were used to blend age and emotion.  

                           The employees of the American Career College, Costa Mesa, surprised their president with a bronze of  this cherished photo of his children and his yacht.

 I will working at my Booth "B23" to make several more.  On Fridays, noon to 3pm, three artists, working in different mediums, will be working from the same model.  We rotate, so I'll be up every third week.  Come see the results.

     I loved meeting people while attending festivals and shows across the Western states in 2005-7,  but one summer-long show is less exhausting and leaves more time to sculpt.   I am pleased to report, that in just four years of exhibiting, I have my work in private collections in twelve states, Belgium and Hungary, that I know of. 

                 I was pleased to find the little girl who was photographed in the OC Register holding her daddy's dog tags at his memorial service in Camp Pendleton.  She was one year old when he was killed but her mother wanted her to know the formality and respect military give their own.  I wanted her to know that daddy is there whenever she wants him to be.  That he will be . . . . "Always There".  She was presented with a marble resin of the bronze shown on "Bronze Relief Plaques".

Other Commissions

       

The Mersel's commissioned relief of the five grandchildren doing representative activities has been delivered.  Each child found themselves and Grandma is pleased.

  

Another commission that holds special meaning is from the Hodge's 30 year old favorite photo of their children , now reproduced in bronze.

 

       
       

Articles and News Bulletins

        The Orange County Register did an article, including me and my work, "Art of Self-Discovery ~ Later-in-life artists find their new pursuits demand a serious attitude".  Check it out: http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/life/atoz/article_684846.php    

         National Sculpture Society printed a picture of "Solitude" in their bi-monthly News Bulletin.

Fantastic Workshops 

         I have treated myself to three fantastic workshops from the best.   Tuck Langland,  V.P. of the National Sculpture Society is a highly accomplished sculptor.  Now retired from his 39 year career as professor of sculpting at colleges and universities in England and the U.S., he occasionally gives special workshops at Scottsdale Art School.  His knowledge of art history coupled with his ability to communicate with humor made for an engaging week.

            A weekend with Philippe Faraut, another famous National Sculpture Society member, really challenged my portrait abilities.  In three days we covered: female/male, young/old, different ethnicities, and expressions.  We had two models as well.  I returned home exhausted yet refreshed, with five heads for continued practice.  Philippe's perceptions, hands and talent are truly special.
(check out his website).

     Eugene Daub heightened my knowledge of true bas reliefs.  He, too, is a Professional Member of the National Sculpting Society.  He's known for his commemorative coins, Minnesota Senate wall-relief of Lewis and Clark expedition, many religious reliefs plus 3D works.  I flew home with 5 works in an overweight suitcase.

       After the Daub and Faraut workshops I applied the new techniques to a wonderful model.  I did a quick 3D clay/fired study (below)  and then another in relief, now in bronze. 

From a great model	comes great work!

Stay in Touch

        I'll use the website and email to stay in touch.   If you or someone you know wants an architectural work, a memorial piece, or to preserve a favorite memory in bronze or marble, please notify me.  

      Thanks for visiting this site. 

                                       More soon,

                                                  Laurie