Very nearly finished…
(continued from previous post)
I worked well yesterday afternoon and this morning, and in particular on the wing like side of the piece. I ended up sculpting the striations almost individually, as there were such complex curves and forms, that it worked better that way, than using a tool with grooves in it. I realised I’d lost a lot of the form, not just that the texture of the surface hid the form, but that the forms were more complex than what I had.
Around 10 today I heard a car horn beep, and opened the gate to Helaine accompanied by Salvatore (her assistant here in Pietrasanta, a lovely Italian sculptor). I think as the sun had come out, and I was pleased to see them I was smiling, but Helaine commented on it and when she saw the piece she went ‘ah yes, you’ve got it…’ and could understand why I was smiling.
We had a quick chat about it, and then she mentioned that yesterday Tom was surprised by how much time she was giving me. She said that she wouldn’t if she didn’t think I’d listen to her and take it in. She also added that she knows I won’t always follow her advice exactly. But I am really learning from her, and I realise how lucky I am.
Anyway, better run back to Marcello’s to put the final touches and talk to the ‘formatore’ (mould-maker) Lorenzo.
