More affordable sculpture

These four sculptures are currently on exhibition at the Royal Birmingham Society of Arts until Christmas Eve. I carved the originals in limestone and then made moulds from which I cast these reproductions in Jesmonite. Jesmonite is a composite material used by museums and galleries around the world to create replicas of their prize works.

I use my own blend of aggregates to add to the Jesmonite which allow me to create these pieces with the look and feel of polished limestone. Cast solid in editions of 100, each piece is signed and hand-finished by me using exactly the same tools that I use for my carved originals. And importantly these sculptures are available at a price one-third that of my investment bronzes, making these more affordable sculptures available to a wider audience.

Primavera

73 x 25 x 20 cm.

Primavera (Spring) is the first in a series of four sculptures, my Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons) series. Each sculpture depicts a female torso morphing into a plant form, representing a season of the year. With Primavera the figure has the head of a crocus with the hands and facial features just beginning to reveal themselves as the new growth of Spring emerges.

Reclining Torso

57 x 14 x 15 cm.

Carved originally from a shard of Cotswold limestone, the female figure in Reclining Torso is gradually revealed as if found in an archaeological dig.

The Sun-Worshipper

38 x 30 x 4.5 cm.

Carved in relief, again from a block of limestone, The Sun-Worshipper was inspired by a lizard sunning itself against a wall outside my studio one summer's day..

Arch

30 x 31.5 x 5 cm.

Arch is another relief carving with the figure sitting within an arched window.  

"Primavera" - Spring is in the air

The first of this series of four sculptures, each representing a season of the year as a female torso morphing into a plant form, is also now available for 2009 in more affordable stone-composite as well as a limited edition bronze.

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Spring or "Primavera" is represented by a slim female torso emerging like a snowdrop from the depths of winter. The petals around her head open to reveal her face mask slowly taking form as do the protective arms around her upper torso.

The original for this sculpture was carved in dark grey Kilkenny Limestone from which the limited edition of only 6 bronzes was cast. This new version is cast solid in Jesmonite composite mixed with a blend of stone aggregates to give the look and feel of polished, buff-coloured limestone. Because all the work is done by myself in the studio I am able to ensure that the accuracy and finish of each cast is true to the carved stone original.

The contrast of textures, very much a signature aspect of my work, accentuates the sensuality of the smooth forms which are dramatised by the light.

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The sculpture, which stands 73 cm. tall, is available direct from my studio as one of a limited edition of 100, mounted on a round base of Jesmonite with a dark grey granite finish.

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The Prezzo restaurant chain has now installed one of this edition of Primavera, which they comissioned last year for one of their newest outlets in Camberley, Surrey.

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Both images © Gordon Aitcheson 2009