Richard Bertman: The Sculptures

Description

For over 50 years Richard Bertman has been sculpting, drawing, and leading an architectural practice. Gradually assembling a lifetime's work, Bertman's sculptural creations encompass over 100 works from five decades. The sculptures bear testimony to a boundless energy and the creativity of a Renaissance man, both an artist and a renowned architect. This book delves into process, meaning and interpretation of Bertman's sculptures, shedding light on his creative practice and analysing each work, while also listening to the artist's voice. He is best known for his whimsical mechanical sculptures. Man, and machine are Bertman's central foci, resulting in two major groupings: kinetic objects primarily activated by electric motors and figurative portraits made from bent wire, welded steel rod, or carved in wood. Complementing these are the early abstract sculptures as well as explorations in other materials, such as copper, bronze or the incorporation of appropriated items from found objects. The biography of Richard Bertman, the architect, narrates a remarkable career. In Massachusetts he incorporated Childs Bertman Tseckares - better known by its acronym, CBT Architects - together with two friends who became business partners, Maury Childs and Charles Tseckares. Although the firm instantly began receiving commissions, Bertman complemented his professional practice with teaching engagements at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Boston Architectural College. He served as visiting critic at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology as well as at Tuskegee Institute, and was a member of many national and regional design juries. His architectural honors include Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, the Boston Society of Architects lifetime achievement award as well as the unique designation of being named an 'Honorary Boston Landmark' by the Boston Landmarks Commission for his service to the city in 1996. In 2007 he was one of the first inductees in the newly created New England Design Hall of Fame. CBT, today with offices in Boston and Saudi Arabia, has been the recipient of over 200 design awards over 50 years and employs more than 200 staff members. SELLING POINTS: . Provides a thoughtful and comprehensive account by renowned writer Christina Lanzl, on Bertman's intersection of art and life, sculpture and architecture . Covers Richard Bertman's early works, how he draws the figure 'in space', his kinetic sculptures, wood carvings, and how he infuses his works with comic relief . Includes a full inventory of Bertman's sculptures . Features full-colour photography of Bertman's vivid sculptures, studies, illustrations and sketches 100 colour images

For over fifty years Richard Bertman has been sculpting, drawing and leading an architectural practice. Gradually assembling a lifetime's work, Bertman's sculptural creations encompass over 100 works from five decades. The sculptures bear testimony to a boundless energy and the creativity of a Renaissance man, both an artist and a renowned architect.