Serre di Rapolano

I want to share an inspiration that I had last week while it's still fresh and incubating. I have worked in Serre di Rapolano in travertine for many years with sculptor Ricardo Grazzi. The open rolling hills (south of Siena) are a sharp contrast to the rugged seaside of Carrara, where the marble quarries are in the Apuane Alps. The travertine has a warmer look and is softer to work in contrast to marble, which is elegant and sensuous.

 

While visiting Grazzi's studio last week, I placed my clay sculpture in front of one of his models to take a photo. The light was soft from the window, and we simultaneously agreed that the relationship between our work presented an excellent collaboration integrating the architectural sculpture with the female figure.

 

 

Passage di Thiana- Passage of Thiana ~ This collaborative work would integrate the architectural sculpture with the female figure and symbolize the spiritual journey of man. Thiana, the Goddess of transformation, invites one to pass through the archway.

 

The archway is a recurring motif in Grazzi's work and symbolizes the passing through the threshold from one dimension to another and the transition of growth and change. The portal is created at the meeting point of two realities. One represents the male element, and the other the female element. The sphere (male) fits into the overlying niche (female) to determine the perfect adhesion of the two parts that make up the door. The male and female archetype is inherently connected to allow integration to occur when one embarks on the journey through the passageway.

 

We envision this piece on a grander scale and would utilize travertine for architectural elements and archway, while the female figure would be made in white Carrara marble. Similar to that of a caryatid, symbolically the one who supports the structure - as it is through the woman that the man, who crosses the threshold of her ego, enters another dimension of totality and self-realization. If you’re interested in commissioning a work from this series, please drop me a note. 

 

As I come out of my winter hibernation and prepare my blocks and tools for carving outside in Colorado, I share a few recently completed works and wish you all a happy spring with inspiration and new growth.

 

Thank you for your continued support,

Claire McArdle

represented by the following galleries