July '06 - Garden Art

At this time of year the majority of us take to ‘Living Outside’, the climate is inviting but is the garden?

When we think of our gardens or outside recreational areas, we will naturally think of the plants, trees, flowers, perhaps swimming pools, our terraces and patios where we enjoy a glass or two of wine with our meals, but how many of us think about art in the garden?

Sculpture in the garden creates insights and surprises about the works of art, the plants and spaces. The varying light and with it, changes in colour, alter the way things appear and the moods provoked. Stillness or a breeze changes the colour and shape of trees and objects near to them.

Sculpture in the garden nowadays is not limited to classical reproductions of Roman or Greek statuary and neither does it have to imitate antiques. Modern sculpture can look absolutely superb; just think of Henry Moore or Elizabeth Frink. Modern sculpture makes use of a vast array of interesting materials, Bronze, Marble, Stone, Stainless Steel, Glass, Galvanized wire, Mosaics, Nickel Plated bronze for a silver finish, Resin, Fibreglass, Wood and Ceramic.

Guy Portelli uses glass; nickel plated bronze, stainless steel materials which he describes as contemporary surfaces, vibrant, sexy and seductive.

‘Go for It’ Two delightful mosaic and bronze dragonflies Bronze and mosaic 200x80x50cms Artist: Guy Portelli

From left to right Red Hot Pokers I, Sun, Red Hot Pokers II

Sculpture in the garden can add a considerable amount of energy and drama to your garden landscape. The positioning of the sculptures, particularly those that are site specific, often accentuates and draws attention to the spaces and plantings that surround them. Sculpture set on the lawn give breadth and depth to a garden, they add towards providing a focal point and a sense of character that we can happily relate to. They can add humour, romance or even tell a story. Sculpture can convey movement or stillness or add an element of surprise. They can serve as a contrast to the landscape and even highlight a particular area within your garden in marked detail.

Second Breath Bronze 193x138x72cms Artist: Maurice Blik

Before you choose sculpture for your garden it is wise to decide the kind that you want to have which will fit in well with your garden landscape and garden decor. The sculpture should be in scale with its surroundings - do not choose a garden sculpture that is minute in comparison to its surroundings nor one too large that it draws attention away from the surrounding landscape. A large sculpture is best for a focal area as they command a presence and attention. If you place a large sculpture at the end of a long pathway as an instance to draw attention to what lies around the corner such as a deck or a pool. Sculpture, when placed in strategic locations, offer a break to what lies ahead.

Split Sphere Bronze on Oak Plinth Artist: Deidre Hubbard

Hybrid Bird Bronze Artist: Deidre Hubbard

This piece shows a new interest for Deidre, namely, the slicing into a compact rounded form, to expose the basis tension between fleshiness and severe geometry.

Continuum Lancaster weatherbed 190x37x25cms Artist: Jonathan Loxley

When you are thinking of visiting the local garden centre to inject colour and life into your garden, think again, consider sculpture. Sculpture can inject colour, drama, personality, movement, with no daily watering and no weeding, you can take it with you when you move and there is the possibility that it will probably increase in value.

‘Plant Art’ it lasts for years…..

For further details please contact:

Judy Webber
Gallery Director
Tel: + 34 966 880 466
Mob: + 34 696 853 007
Email: judy@thefusiongallery.com
Web: www.thefusiongallery.com
Location: 1 Calle Jesus, Casco Antiquo, (Near the church) Altea

The Gallery’s summer opening hours are:
Wednesday to Saturday 19.30-22.00. If you would like an appointment outside of these hours please call
+34 966 880 or +34 696 853 007