Behind the Scenes: Carole Feuerman perfecting Balance, soon to be exhibited at the National Hotel in Miami

Video documentary of Carole Feuerman at work on her resin sculpture "Balance". Credit: Alvaro Corzo V. http://corzo360.com

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Balance, 2012, Oil on Bronze, 32 x 26 x 17 inches. 

Watch artist Carole Feuerman at work, creating Balance. From precisely placing strokes of paint to strategically applying water drops, follow along and discover the process behind making these beautiful sculptures. With over 100 layers of paint, rigorous glazing and sanding it can take years to create these pieces. The minute details in the tiny water drops and wisps of hair, the precise application of eyebrows and eyelashes all must be perfect in order to create such a realistic sculpture, and Carole Feuerman achieves just that. Complete with tan lines and water drops it is easy to imagine this swimmer resting in the lotus position whilst mediating after a long and demanding swim. 

Balance will be featured at the National Hotel in Miami, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary during Miami Art Week. Miami Art Week takes place the first week of December and showcases over 20 art fairs accompanied by more than 100 events. http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/events/art-basel/art-festivals. This life-size sculpture fits perfectly within the Miami art scene, reflecting the notion that this sunny city revolves around warm weather and beaches. Additionally, as many art lovers know Miami Art Week can be rather hectic and overwhelming, therefore, serene and delicate Balance becomes a reminder for visitors to rest, take a reprieve, and reflect in order to fully enjoy the amount of art this city has to offer. 

To see more videos of Carole at work please visit: http://www.carolefeuerman.com/videos-carole-and-her-work/

Swimmer Sculpture Spotted in Chelsea

As a slew of gallery openings ensued in Chelsea last week I found myself caught in a cold and gloomy downpour. While walking briskly down 10th Avenue through the pouring rain I spotted Miniature Balance illuminated in the window of Jim Kempner Fine Art. Unaffected by the torrential rain in her sleek black swimsuit and glistening Swarovski crystal cap, she effortlessly caught the eye of many passersby’s. Looking serene and tranquil Miniature Balance acted as a ray of sunshine and warmth on a dreary night. With closed eyes and relaxed features Miniature Balance became a comfort and reminder that a little water never hurt anyone, even when caught in the rain sans umbrella.

Miniature Balance (Swarovski Cap), 2014. Oil on Resin. 18 x 16 x 9 inches.

While viewing Miniature Balance, I couldn’t help but think how life-like she seemed to me. It is very easy to catch yourself believing Carole’s sculptures are people at first glance, which is a result of the level of craftsmanship within every artwork. Each sculpture is meticulously rendered with every vein, eyelash, and water drop expertly placed. In many instances I have found myself having to do a double take when passing one of Carole’s swimmer’s. Additionally, they are always very inviting, enticing you to come closer and examine the artistry and detail within every piece. Miniature Balance piqued my interest, making me want to know the inspiration, thought process, and technique behind the piece. I am wondering what questions or thoughts readers have when viewing Miniature Balance? 

With fall rapidly approaching Carole Feuerman’s swimmer’s become welcomed reminders of hot weather and summer fun. If you desire a few last remnants of summer, be sure to visit Carole’s show in the Hamptons at Nicole Ripka Gallery (760 Montauk Hwy Water Mill, New York 11976) through October 19th, 2015. 

'Balance' Exhibiting at Cavalier Gallery

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's painted resin swimmer 'Balance' is currently on display at Cavalier Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut.  Titled 'Contemporary Realism,' this exhibition runs the gamut of current artists working in the photo- and hyperreal realm of representation. The show seeks to contextualize modern artist's takes on Realism, situating its aims within the larger historical scope of of the practice. 

Balance, 2013- oil on resin

Since opening on October 23, the group show has garnered attention from the Greenwich Post, receiving a praising writeup on its offerings last week.  Carole's piece was particularly listed as standout sculpture, being named the exemplar of realistic representation within the show.

Cavalier Gallery is located at 405 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut.  Be sure to take in the show yourself before its November 16 conclusion.

If you have already been to the show, what are your thoughts? Post to the comment bar below or directly contact info@carolefeuerman.com with your opinion. 

Francesca

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman has established a certain signature style of sculpture that conveys balance, peace, and the natural beauty of the human body.  'Francesca' evokes these qualities, but also branches into ideals of solitude and contemplation.  Seemingly locked in a state of endless meditation, the figure brings out a more solemn side to Carole's expressions.  

'Francesca', 2008-2011

Oil on Resin, 35 x 18.5 x 9 inches, Private collection

Her hands are clasped behind her back, but her posture is relaxed.  While viewers aren't privy to her exact thoughts, one might imagine the swimmer is lost in a daydream or  simply resting after a rigorous pool workout.  Her aura is both cool and positive, focused but free of worry.  This pensive figure is surely a unique feature within Carole's oeuvre- a little different, but in line with the artist's ethos. 

Monumental Quan, 2012

by Kelsey Zalimeni

An exploration of Carole Feuerman's oeuvre reveals topical threads throughout. While some pieces focus upon embodying one ideal at a time, others like Carole's 'Quan' series reflect multiple tenets simultaneously.  The featured sculpture here, 'Monumental Quan,' speaks through its scale, composition, and execution, to the primary values of its creator- grace, focus, and balance. 

Measuring 5 feet in height and roughly the same in width, 'Monumental Quan' manages to convey a delicate grace despite its voluminous presence.  The positioning of the figure assists with this aspect, displaying a swimmer poised permanently in a difficult physical maneuver. 

'Monumental Quan', 2012-  Oil & resin, stainless steel sculpture

Power and control are implied well through the figure alone, but speak even louder in pairing with the chrome-finish orb upon which she balances.  The mirrored surface threatens distraction, as viewers catch glimpses of their likeness in the midst of their experience with the piece. However, the reflective ball serves a more clever purpose, for 'Monumental Quan' is in fact above the entire space she occupies- stationed perfectly on top of a mini-world comprised by her surrounding environment.  She is, in a sense, among and above the audience at the same time.  

Slow Down

by Kelsey Zalimeni

In this day and age, it seems we're always on the go. Our smartphones connect us to everything, everywhere and unplugging even for a moment threatens to deprive us of vital information or updates. Whatever happened to meditation, to stepping away for just a minute to breathe? Through her Balance series, Carole Feuerman reminds us to do just that.

Despite her busy schedule and demanding career, Carole has never lost sight of the importance of rest and reflection.  In Balance, we see the evocation of sound mind and soul- the figure is fixed in a state of repose and reverie. Her literal posture is set in Lotus, a classic meditation position for physical stability.  The ease of her curving silhouette reflects a powerful tranquility. 

Balance, 2008-2011

Oil on Resin, 36 x 32 x 18 inches, Collection of Lois Robbins, New York, NY

Matisse once called art 'the armchair of life,' an experience through which people could escape their everyday worries.  The mere act of observing a work like Balance can take us to that place, stealing away to retreat if only for a few moments.