Bodyscape Media Releases.

23-September 2011 - Waiheke Island Arts news – for immediate release

“Life Lines 2011” An art Exhibition at the Red Shed

“Life Lines” – Studies of the Nudes by the Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing Group October 1st October 31st 10am - 4pm every Saturday, Sunday and Labour day at The Red Shed 74a Palm road, Palm beach Waiheke Island.

Following the success of their previous shows, the Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing group is pleased to present their 2011 exhibition showcasing works in pencil, charcoal, pastel and paint. All work will be available to purchase on a cash and carry basis.

This show is an opportunity for the public to discover the traditional discipline of figurative life drawing where artists study anatomy, lines, shading, volumes, proportion and perspective and interpret the human form in wonderful ways. Aside from their featured works, exhibiting artists will also present folders of their selected sketches and studies for the public to leaf through.

The participating artists include Shonagh Byrne, Dominic Crossley, Olivier Duhamel, Michael Evans, Mary Ferguson, Carl Grimmer, David Mason, Lyndsay Meager, Gwen Rutter, Gwen Sherman, Vern Tupper, and Bruce Woods

The Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing group is an untutored group where participants are encouraged to experiment and find inspiration from each other’s work. There are meetings every Monday evenings and every Wednesday mornings, No previous experience necessary. People interested in joining should contact Olivier Duhamel on 372 7220. or Shonagh Byrne on 372 7907

The Life Drawing Group wishes to thanks their models for their skilled and graceful contribution. Anyone interested in modelling, should contact Olivier Duhamel on 372 7220 or olivier.duhamel@bodyscape.net.nz Modelling for figure drawing can be a relaxing and rewarding experience.
 

About the Catherine Mitchell Art Centre.
Located in Putiki Road, the CMAC is a non profit making incorporated society. The Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre provides a work and meeting space for groups and practising arts and crafts people.

There are two studios - one for graphic arts – painting, etc and one for pottery. A third room has been extended by the Bridge Club and is also used for Toastmasters, Writing, Photography, Quilting, Spinning and Weaving. Each has its allotted time and space. Anyone is welcome to sample any activity for three sessions, pay a small annual fee and then join any group or groups.

 

Tutors may book a room to run their classes. For more information please contact Shonagh Byrne, secretary, on 372 2907 or Phyllis Murphy, treasurer, on 372 9083 or visit www.cmartcentre.org.nz

About the Red Shed Art Collectives.
The Red Shed is a small, accessible, artist-run gallery at Palm Beach on Waiheke Island. Our exhibition calendar includes solo and group shows, in varied media, by new and established artists at all stages of life. In our shop we have local artwork and cards at very modest prices. For more information visit www.waihekeredshed.com or contact Lyndal Jefferies on lyndaljefferies@gmail.com

For More information about Life Lines please contact: Olivier Duhamel 09 372 7220 or 027 286 0892 olivier.duhamel@bodyscape.net.nz

###

Auckland, New Zealand, March 1, 2011 - For immediate release

Bodyscape Studio announces the worldwide launch of the “Bronze casting manual”

New art book for sculptors, hobbyists and art students.
Written by New Zealand sculptor Olivier Duhamel, the “Bronze casting manual” is a complete tutorial guiding the reader through an easily achievable and affordable casting project. It illustrates a simple, safe and easy method to cast a small sculpture in bronze. The method described is called the ceramic shell, lost wax technique as used by modern art foundries. It as been scaled down and adapted to make it easily implemented in the home backyard.

What makes this book unique?
The “Bronze casting manual” aims at introducing complete beginners to the joy of bronze casting through a 5 days practical project. Every step is explained in details, from the initial wax sculpture through to the finishing patina. Most importantly the book shows how to easily, cheaply and safely melt the metal, an area that other books glance over only briefly or avoid altogether. Indeed, there are already on the market a good number of publications treating of the subject of bronze casting. However this book’s unique value is that it demystifies the process and makes it easily achievable by anyone in a few days.

Another important point of difference is that the book makes it easy to gather all the necessary tools and material by listing a larger number of suppliers around the world, thus saving the reader much time and research.

Where to buy and how much does it cost?
The “Bronze casting manual” is available in paperback from amazon.com and most other online book stores for us$29.95 + shipping or us$22.59 when in promotion. A us$16 PDF version is available for download from http://www.bodyscape.net.nz/bronze-casting-tutorial.htm

Target audience
The book is suitable to anyone with an interest in metal castings. Sculptors, ceramicists, glass artists, wood carvers, furniture and classical boat restorers, DIY enthusiasts, Art students, carft people, model makers, jewellers and goldsmiths and any creative people wanting to expand their skills and knowledge.

Independent reviews
An independent review by a leading industry commentator has been published on www.metalartistforum.com Gen P has been reviewing hundreds of metal working publications. This is what he has to say about the “Bronze casting manual”: "...one of the best book on the subject and will become the foundation standard of small time casting in the future. This book will become an instant classic and a corner stone of a new direction in the small home shop backyard casting. I think anybody that reads this book will find it to be one of those head slapping ones, for being one of the best KISS (Keep it simple and stupid) books on a generally complex subject. "

Customer testimonials
 “I am on my third reading of your book and I wanted to thank you for the fine job you have done with the text and photos. Your book has been extremely helpful and pleasant reading and an inspiration as well.” GK, San Diego, USA

“You have done a fine job. The pictures are clear and informative. Every subject is well organized and easy to find. I like the way you have fully covered all the processes and show how to make everything required. Good How-To. My compliments.” Paul www.budgetcastingsupply.com

"Your guide is wonderful. It has answered a lot of questions that I had. Thanks!" Ben Larson www.crazy-mad-artist.com

"I purchased your book. I am quite pleased with it. Thanks for your efforts in writing it." Weston Bye www.digitalmachinist.net

“Very complete coverage. I think a person with reasonable skills could definitely accomplish the cast by following the instructions.” David Robertson www.artistblacksmith.com

“I have downloaded your Bronze Casting Manual and was really tickled with your approach to simplicity. I still get a smile when I think about it. Your manual keeps it to the simplest means necessary to get the job done. My congratulations to you for doing such good work." Ernie Jones westgate-works.com

“I wanted to thank you for you for your Bronze Casting Manual. Its step-by-step outline and appendix are simply brilliant for a novice bronze caster such as myself.” Rick Kerber, Chicago, USA

"I look forward to you next book. These are the best I have seen on casting." Kevin M, Denton, TX USA

“I found your instructions very clear indeed. The whole project was successful - much better than I expected for a first attempt. This was due to the excellence of your manual.” Roger B, New Zealand

About the author
A New Zealander since 1987, French born Olivier Duhamel lives on Waiheke Island near Auckland, New Zealand. He is a sculptor specialising in the female human form and makes delicately crafted small bronze figurines. His bronze works are sold in art galleries across New Zealand and also in Australia, China, France and Belgium and can be seen on his richly illustrated web site at www.bodyscape.net.nz

Contacts
For all inquiries please contact Olivier Duhamel on +649 372 7220 or Olivier.Duhamel@Bodyscape.net.nz

###

1-November 2010 - Waiheke Island Arts news – for immediate release

“Life Lines” An art Exhibition in Oneroa

“Life Lines” – Studies of the nudes by the Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing Group November 12th- 21st 143 Ocean View Road (downstairs) Oneroa, Waiheke Island.

The Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing group presents an exhibition showcasing works in pencil, charcoal, pastel and paint. All work will be available to purchase on a cash and carry basis.

The Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing Group wishes to thank Christine and David Hafermalz-Wheeler of The Artist Goldsmith for letting us use their premises for this show.

--------------------------------------------------------

Auckland - 15 October 2010 – Art News - For immediate release

A new ART VENUE opens in Onerea, Waiheke Island.

studio connections is a new art venue opening this month on Oneroa’s main road with the dual objective of showcasing the works of four local artists and encouraging art enthusiasts to visit their home studios on Waiheke Island.

Presenting the works of an abstract painter, a wood and stone sculptor, a jeweller and a figurative bronze sculptor in a single location, studio connections is the new addition to Oneroa’s active art scene, firmly establishing the village as a very lively and diverse art destination.

studio connections’s central location, its proximity to other notable art galleries, many cafes, restaurants, fashion shops and glorious Oneroa beach, will greatly enrich the Island visitor’s experience. The gallery will be staffed by the artists themselves thus offering the opportunity to inquire about a piece directly with its creator.

Anna Mayne is the driving force behind Studio Connections. She explains her motivations:
“I have created studio connections because I am passionate about celebrating the ‘courage and capability’ of artists. I believe those Kiwis and tourists ‘keen on art’ will appreciate having access to these high calibre Waiheke artists”. Anna will be using studio connections to promote art tours under the “Waiheke ART Experience” brand. Her stable of artists include:

Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler - Specialist Jewellery Maker - www.TheArtistGoldsmith.com
Christine has spent her whole life making one-of-a-kind jewellery! She and husband / manager David have recently settled on Waiheke and established The Artist Goldsmith. 18ct gold and carefully selected wonders of gem and pearl are her inspiration with “Double Rings” her signature creation.

John Freeman - Wood & Stone Sculptor -  www.kauriart.co.nz
John began his career as a wood turner more than 30 years ago and he has developed into one of NZ’s leading Wood Sculptors. Over the course of a decade John excavated Kauri root systems from areas close to Auckland. He cleaned, dried, and stored the wood, which he uses to create his art. Four years ago he also began sculpting with Oamaru stone.

Gabriella Lewenz - Abstract Painter - www.lewenz.net
American born and raised in Greece, Gabriella immigrated to New Zealand in 1997. She was educated at leading institutions including BFA Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and Rhode Island School of Design. Gabriella sells numerous works internationally, with many patrons returning to purchase her works. She has been selected to participate as Artists in Residence both in Italy and Spain in 2011 and 2012.

Olivier Duhamel - Bronze Sculptor - www.bodyscape.net.nz
A New Zealander since 1987, French born Olivier Duhamel is a sculptor specialising in bronze figurines. His creations convey no particular message; nor attempt any conceptual or symbolist exploration; he is rather trying to capture the beauty and sensuality of his subject of study.

For further information please contact:
studio connections 145 Ocean View Road, Oneroa - 372 2456 www.StudioConnections.co.nz
Anna Mayne: anna@StudioConnections.co.nz – 0277 521 021
John Freeman: freemandesign@maxnet.co.nz – 09 372 2479
Gabriella Lewenz : glewenz@gmail.com - 027 453 9369
Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler: studio@TheArtistGoldsmith.com - 021 817 209
Olivier Duhamel: olivier@duhamel.bz - 027 286 0892

--------------------------------------------------------

Auckland - 25 July 2009 – - Art news For immediate release. (To coincide with the Bodyart Awards 09 )

Life casting services to the Auckland region, at last!

Filling a gap in the North Island, sculptor Olivier Duhamel launches his Bodyscape life casting practice on Waiheke Island and its associated web site on www.bodyscape.net.nz.

Trading under the name of Bodyscape, Olivier Duhamel now offers body casting services to the Auckland region and to visitors to Waiheke Island. For those who cannot travel to Waiheke, he is also offering a “boobs casting manual” providing full instructions on how to cast someone’s bust in plaster. “This is much easier to do than people would expect in view of the incredibly accurate artworks that are produced. It is also a fun and inexpensive DIY project.” says Duhamel.

Sculptor Olivier Duhamel is no stranger to the pursuit of realism in his creations. The small bronze figurines he produces in his Waiheke Island workshop find their place in private collections around the world where galleries and collectors are experiencing a renewed interest for classical, figurative art. He has obviously been experimenting with life casting during the course of his practice and the clear interest that these pieces generated convinced him to offer professional body casting services to the region. Anything, from a simple torso, a pregnant belly to a full body or even a portrait bust can be molded. The piece will be cast in a robust, durable, non toxic and weatherproof material. Bodyscape studio accepts commissions from private individuals, collectors, architects, interior decorators, restaurants, cosmetic surgeries, beauty salons, fashion and jewellery retailers and more.

Life Casting is the art of taking an impression of the human form and has been practiced since the antiquity, by the Egyptians in particular. In more recent times, modern materials have allowed artists to produce incredibly realistic sculptures faithfully illustrating the human form. The craft is often dismissed as being “ just a body casting” in the same way as early photographs were dismissed by painters as being “just a photography”. The fact remains that a body casting sculpture carefully made by a skilled artist with a good eye is a very elegant, personal and emotive piece of art. Artists such as George Segal, John deAndrea or Duane Hanson were propelled on the international scene with works of astonishing realism, beauty and emotion. In New Zealand, Christchurch artists Brent & Shirley Cairns are selling their fabulous glass castings around the world.

Olivier Duhamel – Olivier.Duhamel@Bodyscape.net.nz Editors and reviewers are encouraged to visit www.bodyscape.net.nz for further information and are most welcome to call me on (09) 372 7220

--------------------------------------------------------

Press release. 29 January 2008 

Bronze sculpture studio Open Day in Oneroa, Waiheke Island.

Brief: Olivier Duhamel and Jill Varani are pleased to invite Waiheke Island’s residents and visitors to discover their bronze sculptures and to visit their workshop on Saturday 9th of February 2008 from 11am to 5pm - 49 Church bay road, Oneroa. Learn about the lost wax and ceramic shell techniques for making small bronze sculptures, view and purchase some of their most recent works. Complimentary refreshments. All welcome. Inquiries to 372 7220

50 years old Duhamel and 20 years old Varani have been working together since May last year. During this time they have been exploring the lost wax and ceramic shell techniques to make a number of small figurative bronze sculptures. Duhamel and Varani share a common interest in figurative art and their inspiration comes largely from the female nude. They are both regular members of the Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing Group in Ostend, Waiheke Island. Olivier’s bronze works are now sold in galleries across the country but also in Sydney, Melbourne and Paris while Jill is promoting her creations in her native Colorado.  

The pair work out of a garage in Oneroa where Olivier has established a small home foundry. They are opening their workshop to show their work and share their experience with the local community, fellow Island artists, art enthusiasts and collectors, art merchants, members of the media and of course, to visitors to Waiheke. Duhamel and Varani will be demonstrating and explaining the entire process of making a bronze sculpture, from modeling in clay, wax or plasticine, making a wax duplicate, building a ceramic mold, melting and pouring the metal, cleaning and refining the “raw” cast to finally applying a patina to the finished sculpture.

Bronzes are often cast in small series of 3 to 12 copies. Yet every cast in a series is an original piece as it is manually reworked out of the mould and has a different patina applied. Many of Duhamel’s and Varani’s works will be available for purchase on the day. (cash or cheques only, no EFTPOS )
 

Sculptors who cast their bronze themselves are a rare breed. Most artists prefer to contract out this complex and difficult task to professional foundries. Incidentally, we know of as many as three such founders on Waiheke Island. Casting their own sculptures allows them to keep their cost down and to maintain full control over the entire creative process.
Jill Varani (www.jillianvarani.co.nz) is the youngest of the three and moved to the Island from Colorado in 2006. She has been an apprentice and assistant with Duhamel and will be starting a degree of Fine Art at Elam in 2008. The other two are Olivier Duhamel (www.duhamel.bz ) and the more experienced Oliver Stretton-Pow. (www.ospx.net ) Coincidentally, in addition to sharing the same name, trade and place of residence, both Olivier Duhamel and Oliver Stretton-Pow have parents leaving 20 km from each other in the Dordogne region of France. French born Duhamel has been a New Zealander since 1991 and first arrived on the Island in 1986. He and his wife have lived in Oneroa with their three children since 2002.

Olivier Duhamel discovered the ancient art of bronze casting during a workshop conducted by the famous New Zealand sculptor, founder and alchemist David Reid (home.c2i.net/metaphor/ )  in February 06. People interested to attend such a workshop with David Reid can register interest at the Open Day.

Bronze casting is a 3000 year old technology that has never really been perfected. For both Duhamel and Varani, this Open Day marks the end of their initial apprenticeship during which they have acquired the basics skills that will allow them to express themselves more freely in the future. Essentially, they have discovered that they need to become experts in all aspects of their trade, modeling, wax working, mold making, foundry, chemistry, welding and have learned that with another 20 to 30 years of persistent hard work they may eventually become master of their craft and one day, perhaps, deserve the title of “artist”. Look forward for their next Open Day in 2009.