Unleash the Artist Within!
I was brought up that being an artist equated starving for a living. We were told to appreciate it but this would only be an option as a hobby, and was not remotely encouraged at that. Since opposites attract, I married a ‘Furniture Designer’. Well it was clear to me that he had to go back to school so that he could get a real job, which he did, but always pursued his love of art in various Medias and I learned through him to appreciate better what all that those ‘Artsy Fartsies’ had to offer! Now that we are retired, taking the time to try new things is upon us. A friend from El Valle was telling me about a concrete sculpture class that she had taken with Franco Getzy and showed me her end product after one class. I was impressed. Franco is a well known artist in the area; he participated in a few CASA Craft Fairs in he past and is a lovely man. Playacommunity wrote an extensive article about him in May 2009 and featuring his art. Some of the contact info needs to be updated. http://www.playacommunity.com/franco-getzy-is-a-transplant-from-south-africa-who-makes-concrete-sculpture/
Knowing him, his work and seeing results from a one time class of two days, I decided that this would be a great birthday present for my ‘Artsy Fartsy’ husband but also decided to join in the fun. So with my friend and another student, we were off to the Saturday morning class.
We arrived to find a gentleman mixing the concrete, a form in a cone shape made of rebar and Franco anxiously waiting for us. We then cut and attached metal mesh to the cone and were told to start creating! Everyone took to their task and started applying the concrete to the form. I looked at Franco and told him that we would be lucky if I could make something that looked like a snake (if he helped me with the face). Told me to start applying the concrete and an inspiration would come to me! (Ya!, like that is going to happen!) So I did what I was told and he asked me what I wanted to do, again told him that there was not a creative bone in my body, so he asked me if I would like to do an Easter Island type figure. Really, could that be a possibility….
Continued to apply the concrete, he came over and drew a few lines on my torpedo like concoction and it looked back at me! Really, I could see something there. Did not get too excited as expectations can get out of control, but the more and more I put on the concrete and followed his simple guidelines it started to take shape, a figure appeared, I was creating a real identity. I freaked! I was so excited! (to the dismay of the other classmates!) I kept teasing Barry that at the age of 57 I finally get it! I now understand why people dedicate themselves to creating stuff. It was a revelation. I know, you are thinking: Really! Well yes, seriously, Really! I had never experienced anything like it. It is something to do a job well done and be proud of yourself, but to create something from a bag of dust, stones and water. I swear it blew me away! I even apologized to Barry (the Artsy Fartsy husband) for all those years of not getting it.
We worked on our respective projects for 2 days, as the concrete had to cure. Left it at the studio for a few days as I wanted to bring it back properly hardened, once we got it home we put on a concrete sealer and of course installed it right at the front entrance, welcoming you in to our home.
For those who know me well, know that this has been quite the revelation and need to share this experience with you. Franco will do a 2 day class with 4 people and charges $80. per person. This includes your concrete, mesh and rebar (if required). You can make a tall sculpture, a bowl, let him know what you would like. I suggest you bring tough rubber gloves as the concrete does take a toll on your hands and whatever tools you think you may need to make your project. Franco is a minimalist.
After all those years of teasing, ‘push over Barry, you are going to have to share your living space with another Artist! Where did I put that beret and scarf….’
