Thursday, December 9, 2010

Hans Godo Frabel Lecture

I know this wasn't one of the VCU Artist lectures, but since I missed one, I attended
an outside local lecture, not affiliated with VCU to make up for it.

Hans Godo Frabel

Questions:
1) Focusing on glass sculptures and figurines, where is the primary source of display for your work?

2) Do you keep a theme to your sculptures, or is it on an individual basis?


Lecture Response:

The most interesting quote from the lecture wasn't really a "quote," but an explanation. I really enjoyed hearing about how Frabel embosses his trademarks on the bottom of his sculptures. He separates his work into categories and signs the bottom based on which category the work falls into. His sculptures made in his studio are embossed with an "FS" meaning "Frabel Stdio" while the unique Frabel sculptures that he makes as limited editions are marked with a "GF" on the bottom meaning Godo Frabel. I enjoyed the unique way of signing his work.

Three words:
Fantastical, Whimsical, Detailed.


The most interesting thing I found out about the artist was the recent honor that was attached to his name. In September 2009, President Obama called attention to Frabel's name when he gave Frabel "Glass Tree" sculptures to 34 world leaders.

The answer to my first question was answered. Frabel enjoys incorporating his work into existing scenery. The exhibit he talked to us about that is his current ongoing on at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is the prime example. He has sculptures around and throughout the gardens whether on specific display or blending in with actual plants.

The series of sculptures I enjoyed the most were the "Longfellow" sculptures. They still fell into the whimsical and delicate style that Frabel uses, but took on more of an editorial side. These pieces about gravity and balance were the most moving to me.

Overall, this lecture was very different than the photography lectures and I'm glad I went.

No comments:

Post a Comment