Governors Island Exhibit Explains How Sculptors Work

NEW YORK—Elaine Lorenz used 3-D modeling software to create “New World,” an abstract sculpture inspired by slot canyons in Arizona. Standing more than four-feet tall, the form looks like it is composed of rock or marble but was carved out of Styrofoam on a milling machine that read her digital file. When Lorenz completed the work (which is surfaced with fiberglass and resin), it was her first foray into the world of technology, integrating the capabilities of two design programs—Cinema 4-D and Z-Brush—into her creative process.


Above, “New World,” 2010 (Styrofoam, fiberglass and resin) by Elaine Lorenz. Top of page, “Cloud,” 2011 (plaster, epoxy, resin and wire) by Philip Simmons.

“New World” is featured in the main gallery of “Process,” the Sculptors Guild exhibit on Governors Island. In addition to showcasing mostly new work by more than a dozen sculptors, the exhibit takes viewers into the artists’ studios explaining the process for executing the works. Each piece includes an artist statement and usually a rendering and images of the work in progress to help understand the stages of production.

Two 1970s works by renowned fabric artist Faith Ringgold are included in the exhibit which is on view from May 26 to Sept 30, 2012 in Building 315.

All photos by Arts Observer

Post Your Thoughts