Masonry Magazine June 1995 Page. 19
A brick sculptor who works in the technique of relief sculpture can certainly qualify for the title of "illusionist," for it's the illusion of three-dimensional form that the brick sculptor creates in the space of just a few inches. There are three approaches to relief sculpture that can be used or combined: bas-relief, high-relief and intaglio. Bas-relief is the projection of a design in less than one-third of its full dimension. In high or alto-relief, the form can project to near three-dimensionality, but it is still attached to the background. Intaglio has no design projection, but is instead carved into into the sculpting surface. The shape is incised and slightly rounded. With the shadows that are so created, a beautiful design can emerge. The technique of intaglio can be the real test of the sculptor's ability to create the illusion of three-dimensional form. The physical location of the brick sculpture project will dictate which of the three techniques should be used. A combination of the techniques is often used, especially under controlled lighting conditions.
Brick Sculpture
State of the art report: what it is and how it's created, plus profiles and modus operandi of leading brick sculptors. By DONNA DOBBERFULL Sculptural Designs
Other questions must also be answered before a project's design can begin, including:
* Will the chosen installation site be outside?
* Will the sculpture face north or south?
* How much ambient light is available?
* Will the sunlight "wash" the sculpture's surface?
* Will night lighting be available?
* Can the sculpture be approached for hands-on direct viewing or will it be placed at a great distance from the viewer, high upon the facade of a building?
These are some of the questions that must be addressed so that the final results of the project will be a success for both client and sculptor. The collaboration between client, architect and sculptor begins very early, generally before the architectural drawings are complete. As part of the team, the sculptor can give valuable insight into the best location for placement of a major sculpted relief or three-dimensional figure. With brick being a well-accepted building material, the addition of a sculpted brick surface is a natural step forward in the enhancement of an overall project. Considerable visual excitement can be added to large areas of a structure, creating a totally unique experience for that project. It's an enhancement that cannot be created by any other means except through the use of sculpture. All brick sculpture projects follow primarily the same procedure for completion. First, ideas are discussed. The concept chosen could be as simple as visually highlighting the use for which the structure is going to be used. For example, a theatre may very well have its theme of dramatic arts, dance or music depicted in the sculpture. When the necessary research is completed, preliminary designs are presented which may go through a few revisions before they are finally approved. Occasionally, a scale model is necessary. The model can give everyone involved a clear understanding of the final sculpting ideas. The design phase is when unique brick shapes can be chosen, such as shapes that can project far beyond the.