|
|
PUBLIC SPACES
Part of being a successful artist involves the ability to step
outside the realm of personal ideas and expand on another’s objective. Roger
DiTarando does not just create art for himself – he shares it with
everyone around him. As a result, he has completed numerous works
for public spaces. These challenging commissions have included large
sculptures, gates and historical restoration. Creating sculpture for
public spaces has resulted in some of Roger’s most innovative work.
Their success is inherent on Roger’s ability to remain focused on
the project goal, accept and welcome community involvement, and design
to accentuate the surrounding environment. Examples of his work are
found nationwide.
When The Arts Council of Greater New Haven wanted to
commemorate the settling of families from other parts of the world
in the New Haven area, they commissioned Roger. The final welded
bronze construction, which spans the entire 14-foot entry to a
pedestrian park near Yale New Haven Hospital, incorporated many
familial and community images.
The design committee at the Hotchkiss School challenged Roger to
create a work that would complement the architecture of their new
Science building. Together, they developed eight innovative aluminum
castings set randomly in a blue stone floor at the entryway to the
foyer. Symbolic imagery celebrating the biological and earth
sciences highlighted the final work.
St. Aubin Park was a riverfront revitalization project in Detroit.
The eventual sand cast iron fish grates, constructed in a shallow
relief of 1/8" and 1/4" layers, emphasized both historical and
educational elements integral to the Detroit River and its renowned
ship building facility. The St. Aubin project also included a 10'
sculpture depicting a dry-dock and buildings (still in existence on
site, but in unrestored condition). The last portion of the
commission depicts the freighter “Pioneer” that was constructed at
the dry-dock and went on to carry ore throughout the Great Lakes.
A project for the University of Connecticut's 87 year-old
Branford House in Groton was a challenging historical
restoration. To restore details of the copper gutter and roof drain
system – elements long since unavailable – new molds and dies were
fabricated. Seventeen die-formed components were required to
reconstruct the ornamental portion of the ornate roof drain.
If you are interested in enhancing or restoring an element of a
public space, contact Roger to determine if his work might be
appropriate for your project. Large scale commissions require a
contract specifying detailed requirements, payment schedule and
delivery dates. |
| |
|
