Photo #3
The Art of Nevenka Schumaker
| The clean, flowing lines of Nevenka Schumaker's sculptures seem to bring a sense of well being to the viewer. The simplicity of form has a strong hint of Minimalism that is always appealing. But there is more, much more to her sculpture then that. There is the involvement of keen geometrical construct, detailed planning, and a complexity of thought, ratio, and technique that serve to fixate the viewer's attention and invite interpretation. Papillon II is a fine example of that involved process... |
"I try to distill nature’s beauty into my sculptures by exploring the natural attributes of the stone’s strata, texture and color. My goal is
to create a perfect balance in the interaction of lines and surfaces which reflects light to the viewer. This 3-dimensional process offers
the viewer an object rich in interpretational values.
The sculpture, “Papillon II”, hopefully achieves that goal.
"It started by following the process I established at Art College as well as in my long career as a Product Designer. That creative
process begins when a new idea occupies my mind until it gets put on the paper in my sketch book (photo #1). At this time it already
has a title which creates an emotional bond that helps me concentrate towards achieving that idea.
"The next step is carefully choosing a stone that would have the strongest natural elements for reaching the desired outcome. In the
case of “Papillon II” (Butterfly), Italian Translucent White Alabaster was the obvious choice (photo #2).
"At this point it is important to mention that I am a hand carver, the way the old masters did, without the use of power tools. So after
cutting the raw stone into two pieces by hand saw, hammering and chiseling, filing and sanding, sealing and polishing (photo #3), the
sculpture is ready to be placed on a uniquely designed Black Belgian Marble base. Ready for many moments of visual and emotional
pleasure for the viewer, and by that adding beauty to life.
This process is emotional, physical, long, and loving."
to create a perfect balance in the interaction of lines and surfaces which reflects light to the viewer. This 3-dimensional process offers
the viewer an object rich in interpretational values.
The sculpture, “Papillon II”, hopefully achieves that goal.
"It started by following the process I established at Art College as well as in my long career as a Product Designer. That creative
process begins when a new idea occupies my mind until it gets put on the paper in my sketch book (photo #1). At this time it already
has a title which creates an emotional bond that helps me concentrate towards achieving that idea.
"The next step is carefully choosing a stone that would have the strongest natural elements for reaching the desired outcome. In the
case of “Papillon II” (Butterfly), Italian Translucent White Alabaster was the obvious choice (photo #2).
"At this point it is important to mention that I am a hand carver, the way the old masters did, without the use of power tools. So after
cutting the raw stone into two pieces by hand saw, hammering and chiseling, filing and sanding, sealing and polishing (photo #3), the
sculpture is ready to be placed on a uniquely designed Black Belgian Marble base. Ready for many moments of visual and emotional
pleasure for the viewer, and by that adding beauty to life.
This process is emotional, physical, long, and loving."
Photo #1
Photo #2 - Raw alabaster
The finished work