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GATES
Sometimes an artist’s concepts are carefully laid out on a sketch
board;
sometimes they are scribbled on the back of a napkin. Whatever
sparks
the idea is of no consequence. It is the end result that matters. In
his most recent endeavor, Roger DiTarando is bringing his dream of
gate design and construction into reality.
Gates have unlimited possibilities. They can vary in size and shape,
used indoor or outdoor, and reflect any number of themes. The
functionality of a gate can be expanded to include fence forms with
fountains, arbors, trellises, and even birdbaths as corresponding
pieces. Any theme can also be adapted into a decorative fireplace
screen. Constructed of welded-fabricated cast bronze, copper and
stainless steel, the gates are durable and completely maintenance
free.
Several gates are currently under development in the studio. One
employs a copper bamboo framework embellished with decorative
Japanese cranes. Another is a simple woven style fabricated from
sheet bronze, with a koi serving as both ornament and latch. A
prototype is initially constructed in masonite and serves as a
model. Some preliminary gate elements and techniques include the
following:
Branch Forms
textured copper and stainless steel branch stock can
be constructed to form sections of an arbor, trellis, fence, or
firescreen.
Asian Themes
By using “bamboo” as the structure, the elegant
simplicity of this style can be married with such elements as fish,
birds, dragonflies, flowers, trees, and more.
Bamboo
Bamboo: the bamboo is constructed entirely of copper. Because real
bamboo is unstable and susceptible to climate changes, Roger’s
copper bamboo provides year-round use with no maintenance. Copper
bamboo, whether used individually or as a cluster, can also be a
vehicle for introducing water to a sculpture. See the use of bamboo
in the Jizai planters (GALLERY - and
more).
Bronze and Copper Layering
Bronze and Copper Layering: this method of construction can begins
as simply as cutting material like cookie dough and continues to the
next level of overlapping pieces to create shadow lines and depth.
the next step involves grinding or blending the different layers to
give flow or rhythm to the subject, with the final step in the
process being the actual formation of the metal in order to achieve
the desired three-dimensional effect. Each sculpture can be formed
with any or all levels of this layering process, thereby effecting
both time of completion and total cost.See more gates and firescreens in the
GALLERY.
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