Sculpture of Two Women

Dear Art Lover,

     It is not often that I get to work with two models at the same time.  Many years ago, I ran a special “Open Studio” at the AVAA (Austin Visual Arts Association) studios in Austin, Texas.  I touted it as a session for sculptors in which painters and those drawing were welcome, as long as they do not complain about sculptors moving our stands of clay around the room as we deemed necessary.  It was a hit and I hope that the artists had more of the sessions after I hosted those I did.

     My two female models were of very different ages and physiques.  They did not know each other before the session, so I tried to come up with poses of them being together, and yet not. I am sure you have heard of the intimate connection two people make if they would stare into each other’s eyes for ten minutes.  So imagine how great or how uncomfortable to have your naked skin touching someone for 3 hours, breaks or no breaks!

     I just had a tangent of a thought.  Ostracism is considered to be the most horrible punishment we can dish out.  As social creatures, to have society or just a group or even one person cut off your contact with anyone else would indeed be painful and lonely.  We also know from wars and abuse situations that if you want to humiliate someone, you make them remove their clothes before you hurt them.  So, I wonder if we took two warring leaders and made them simply pose together nude, or stare into each other’s eyes, could we make a more peaceful world?

     This first sculpture is titled “After the Bath,” casual poses for the lounging ladies in all probability thinking different thoughts of their different lives.  This sculpture is currently located at the Franklin Barry Gallery in Indianapolis.  If you tell owner Don Elliott or his helper Chuck that you would like to add this one to your art collection or mediation room or pool area, etc, tell them that I said the prices is a much lower $800.  Mention this blog in case they cannot reach me to verify.  Or contact me.. the same deal.

 

After the Bath 

10" h x 18" x 18"           

terra-cotta sculpture by Kelly Borsheim

http://BorsheimArts.com

      This second sculpture reminds me a little of my first trip to Italy in 2004.  The pose as sculpted was setup just to get as many of my beloved triangles into the figures.  But the base.. hahah.. too subtle?  My first time in Italy, I was thirty nine years old and wanted to put my hands on a Michelangelo sculpture before I turned 40.  I backpacked around for six weeks.  More often than not, every time I met a man on the bus, in the quarries, in a hostel or ferry or train, or just walking around admiring what is essentially Italia, I heard two questions.  “How old are you?” and “Have you ever had sex with another woman?” 

     Really?  I never had a problem telling my age, especially after my 78-year-old teacher Mrs. Steiner (or was she 72?) told us the first day in her English class that she wanted to stop the whispers and hushed jokes and just told us her age and how proud she was to have reached it.  However, I was raised in American culture in which it is considered rude to ask a woman her age.

     The other one stumped me.  Do most men think this immediately and it was just here that they actually say the question outside of their heads?  Boh!  When I moved to Italy the first time in 2006, I did not hear this so often, in fact, it was rare.  It made me wonder if this is the tourist market more than anything.

      “Waiting and wondering” is the title of this terra-cotta sculpture of two women sitting on a cloud based that has a decidedly phallic shape.  Make of it what you will.  I am just playing with shapes and being a Nature girl.  Also $800, but not in the gallery. Contact me in the studio via http://BorsheimArts.com/contact.htm

Waiting & Wondering 

8.5" h x 15.5" w x 9" d  

terra-cotta sculpture by Kelly Borsheim

http://BorsheimArts.com

Peace and happy new year.  Make the most of 2017!

Kelly

P.S.  Please check out the “Raccolta e Regalo” sale I am having on selected artworks.. Ends tonight at midnight, central Texas time.  http://www.borsheimarts.com/SaleArt2016-LaRaccoltaeIlRegalo.htm

Subscribe to the art newsletter here (it is FREE):  http://www.borsheimarts.com/contact.htm

New Years Eve Lascivious Sculpture

Dear Art-loving friend,

     In 2009 I began a tradition for this blog.  With the idea of living closer to the Earth, more Natural, as it were, I decided to celebrate the coming of a new year with an NYE blog post featuring naughty art; art forms not unlike some of the art you might see in Pompeii, Italy.  Many consider Pompeii to be full of erotic art, and fair enough.  Those Italians thought of a male erection as a sign of prosperity and fertility, i.e., a wondrous event to celebrate and enjoy the fruits or gifts the gods have given us.  Their homes often featured at the entrance a mosaic of some incredibly endowed human of the male persuasion.  It was not considered obscene.  It was seen as a welcoming wish for prosperity and abundance.

     I suspect that most figurative artists, at least, create some erotic art at some point in their lives.  I can say that safely since eroticism is quite personal and thus, the boundaries blurred for some people.  I suppose anything goes with just the right audience.

     In any event, I feel that I have been slacking off over the last several years in this particular genre. I had hoped to create at least one piece of intentionally erotic each year.  I have a few pieces in the works, but to be honest, I am trying to make my work at bit more … hmm.. subtle is not the word, GRAND?  but you will just have to wait and see for yourself.

     While I was visiting the Carusi Studios of marble carving in Carrara back in November, I saw a marble sculpture outside from an unknown artist.  Many artists use their studio space (the Carusi no doubt know, but I forgot to ask and today is the sharing day…)  I will admit that for all of the putti or just babies in art that I have seen, these two kinda gave me the creeps.  I think of them as the “lascivious babies” because seriously, have you ever seen such a passionate, sexy kiss between young ones?

    

I know that children enjoy mimicking adults, but these two seem far too young for that.  So, what is up?  However, the work is beautifully executed and also, the large belly of the baby girl made me think of how some artworks tell stories in that they show something of the past, present, and future in the same artwork.  Sometimes that means depicting a couple in the foreground (usually representing the present time) and then repeating them in the background (future and/or past, depending on where they are located in the painting, for example).  The big belly here serves to remind us that “one thing leads to another.”  This is not unlike the common placement in the US of the sexy lingerie shops existing RIGHT NEXT to the maternity stores.

     So. . . um, enjoy (?) these kissing babies.  Maybe even creepy romance is still better than war.  And let us work to make 2015 a year of peace and love and tons of fun!

Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm,

Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

Sleeping Angel Pastel Painting Art

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

Well, it seemed like a fun idea for me to start a tradition of creating and exhibiting a work of intentionally erotic art for a wish of abundant joy while heading into the New Year. But I seem to be getting tamer as each December arrives! Still, I at least have a new pastel painting of a MALE FIGURE for you! This one is called “Sleeping Angel” and was inspired by light and also the famous Italian artist Caravaggio and his "Sleeping Cupid."

If you would like to read more about the inspiration for this work of art that I have created, please click HERE to read my latest art newsletter. However, I have made a few changes to the 18” x 24” pastel painting and thus, here is a newer image of the ”Sleeping Angel.” I hope that you enjoy him and that you have at least a year of joy, peace, and above all, love.

Links to the other New Year’s Eve posts:
• New Year’s Eve 2011: Art and the Nude Artist poses in front of composition by artist Darryl Pottorf for Roberto Rauschenberg, in Robert and Darryl’s beach house in Florida
• New Year’s Eve 2010: “Anthurium” Nature repeats the patterns she enjoys
• New Year’s Eve 2009: “Tesoro!”
  freely offering our own vulnerability to another is quite a turn-on!

P.S. I am delighted to be able to announce now that my original stone carving "Kiss Me Blue" has been given to a very enthusiastic young woman in America as a Christmas gift (by her parents). So lovely to end the year with a sale, and for a new collector of my work!
”Kiss Me Blue”

In addition: There's a Caravaggio exhibit at Los Angeles County Museum of Art which continues through February 10, 2013. [Thanks to blog reader and art model Andrew Cahner for this tip.]

“Bodies and Shadows: Caravaggio and His Legacy”

Art Lover Writes to Artist

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

I received some interesting feedback from a fan of my stone carvings and thought that I would share since I have been busy working and preparing for my trip to Spain soon. While I cannot answer everyone’s questions, I try to read everything that I can. It was kind of Mr. Francis McLaughlin to put some time into specific comments on each sculpture. You are also invited to comment on the blog, if you like. I recently gave the blog a slightly new look that I hope is easier on the eyes.

Thanks you and read on, if you like. He is referring to my original stone sculptures. If you click on the image title, you may then view the individual sculpture site page that includes more views of each artwork, as well as images of the stone during the carving process. Please inquire as to availability if you would like to take advantage of my LayAway Plan (as many have) or if you just want to add an artwork to your collection right away. The prices are all online on my pricelist page. Thank you.

Kelly Borsheim, artist

Dear Kelly,

You’re such a beauty; but just like flowers, all that’s sweet is transitory. Be tough on life; squeeze it, for what it is you really want. There must be some desire that is most important to you, maybe falling in love, or doing the greatest art, and in your case that would be a wow. You’re become famous enough to have a hundred demands on your time. You don't have to respond, I'm so grateful that you did, I'll watch your career with a sweet tear in my eye, and hope that your wonderful talent continues in a most fertile environment.

I took a quick half hour look at some of your things, I noted how thrilling they hit me.

Torso 8 (above) is sensational for me because I see such sensuality in motion with the turning figure.

Ascension Invitation: The attraction on mythology lies begging in our psyche, this piece stimulates that realm.

Gymnast: Sweet is always good, that feeling of sentimentality that lives near sweet works for most of us.

Back to Back: To get sensually involved tugs heavy on us.

Lips of Life: Great theme this could be done again and again for a long long time with an ever increasing joyful romance.

Zebra Lips: The impact of contrast and color alone, stun me in a fresh way.

Yin Yang: A wonderful porn piece that puts me where I like to go.

I’ve become pleasantly exhausted looking at your work. I’ll return when I recover, to see what more things you’ve done, that both thrill and inspire.

Most grateful thanks
Francis

Art and the Nude

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),
For the past two years on my New Year’s Eve blog entry, I have shared more erotic art than I usually dish up for you. In the line of thinking similar to that of those living in Pompeii centuries ago, it was my way of wishing you a sensuous, joyful, lush, and prosperous new year.

However, this year I have not had the time to create something along this vein. Sad, really since I believe that art is the safe place in which we can explore all aspects of our humanity. That said, I still want to wish you a thoughtful abundance for the coming year. I hope that you can become more spontaneous (I linked this word because many people misuse it) and express yourself more often.

I recently wrote a little bit about my holiday with friends on Captiva Island, Florida. I stayed in artist Robert Rauschenberg’s former beach house there, owned by his collaborating partner and long-time friend, Darryl Pottorf. In entering the place, I found myself intrigued by a composition in red, black, browns, and white. I had this strange urge to photograph myself nude in front of it. This does not really belong on my “erotic art” posting because I do not know how to explain that I was not thinking sexual thoughts when this idea came to mind. Maybe more like “Nature Girl,” I dunno. That night, I did pose for my timer, but fully clothed, boots and all…

One evening, Darryl walked me over to the painting before we headed back to his place for dinner with more friends. He explained most of the objects or shapes in the composition. This was a painting about Robert Rauschenberg (Bob) and Darryl. Darryl’s art is very personal. It made me wonder if I should lose the thought of taking nude shots with this beautifully sentimental work of art. But the idea persisted and I did not believe that I was thinking anything disrespectful. So one night towards the end of my visit, I woke up just before 3 a.m. and went to work, careful not to disturb the other occupant in the house. I was back in bed by 4 a.m. I hope you enjoy this image, but more: I wish you truly beautiful experiences from each day forward.

Links to the other New Year’s Eve posts:
• New Year’s Eve 2010: “Anthurium”
  
• New Year’s Eve 2009: “Tesoro!”
  

Anthurium Art

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

Nature often repeats her patterns and shapes, especially when they are successful. No doubt you have seen the spiral in the nautilus shell (often used as a visual to explain the mathematical terms of the Golden Mean or Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci Sequence). That spiral shape is also found in many plants, such as in the branches of an agave, the petals on the head of an artichoke, fruitlets of a pineapple, and in pine cones.

Ripples, twists, fractals, branching and more … we see recurring Nature’s patterns everywhere from the cracked dry earth to the veining in leaves to the billows of cloud patches, the scales on a snake, soap bubbles, honeycomb, and the staggered rows of kernels on corn cobs. Under water, over water, even water: the repetition of shapes, lines, and textures are everywhere. We are fascinated, as well as comforted by their beautiful design.

In what may be becoming my New Years' Eve tradition, I now would like to introduce you to another intentionally erotic artwork… if this is not your kind of thing, please just stop reading and go do something more interesting.

The concept, of course, is about the beauty and function in Nature’s repeating patterns.


“Anthurium”
pastel on black Firenze-brand paper
9” x 25”
$1800 + $20 shipping (6.75% sales tax to Texas destinations)

The idea for this pastel painting titled “Anthurium” was birthed back in 2007 in Florence, Italy. I did a commissioned pencil drawing for an Italian flower vendor who opened shop every day (but Sunday) in the piazza closest to my rented flat.

One day he asked me if I could do a drawing from a photograph and when I responded with a shrug, “Perché no?”, he pulled out a small, dark photo of himself, posing in shorts with an almost body builder physique. He seemed quite pleased to see the surprise in my face. It had never occurred to me that he would want me to do a drawing of him.

At the time, I had not yet created many images of a figure in an environment. Despite my very long days at the Angel Academy of Arts, I came home each night and worked really hard to create a drawing that I wanted to sign. The reference photo was horrible, so I immediately decided to create my own design around the figure. I came up with a border reminiscent of the shape of Florence’s famous Duomo and drew flowers around my friend’s image.

When I was nearing completion, I took the drawing over to show him and he actually made me remove one of the flowers I had chosen for its compositional value, and he said to me with a straight face, “THIS is my favorite flower.” I looked at the flower he pointed to, looked back at his expression, and thought, “You have got to be kidding me!”

I never could tell if he was or not, but I finished the drawing with his beloved anthuriums and he seemed genuinely delighted with it. Some ideas hang inside my head for years before they manifest themselves. I hope this one makes you smile.

I wish you a colorful and joyful 2011, full of ups more than downs and an honest appreciation of Nature’s offerings. Thank you for reading my blog and cruising along with this artistic journey.

Erotic Art

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

It is very frustrating, but sometimes my work is not permitted to be exhibited because of “rules” against nudity in art. This despite the fact that most people are extremely complimentary of the sensitivity in which I portray people in their most vulnerable state (or so they tell me).

So, if you cannot beat ‘em, . . . join ‘em.

And I actually feel a bit excited to be joining the ranks of many of my predecessors, including lots of the “Big Boys” such as Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Théodore Géricault, Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and my friend and mentor Vasily Fedorouk. Even Michelangelo painted quite a lascivious “Leda and the Swan” composition. I suspect that besides the Japanese, Egyptians, and the Greeks, every culture has birthed some form of erotic art.

While exploring various compositions, I was trying to think of a title to inspire me and keep me on track. I was seeking eroticism, not vulgarity. My ex-roommate Elena, from Italy, unknowingly named this pastel and charcoal drawing. She and I happened to be corresponding shortly after I began work on this piece. She often addresses me as “tesoro,” which is Italian for “treasure” and is a term of affection among the Italians.

Thus, I would be happy to introduce to you my first published work of intentionally erotic art.

”Tesoro!”
22” x 16”
Charcoal and Pastel Drawing
Roma-brand paper
$1800 (+ $20 shipping + applicable sales tax)
by Kelly Borsheim

And I wish you a sensuous and joyful 2010 full of passion and amore.