It is a cold and windy January day, the Alpi Apuane are clear and they seem so close you could say you can touch them. We are in via Crocialetto, and Robin Bell arrives just before lunch, after finishing working to his latest cast. He sits down, a little tired, and then the interview begins.
PietrasantArt: What brought you to Pietrasanta?
Bell: I arrived in Pietrasanta because of a Canadian sculptor named Bart Uchida and the desire to carve marble. You see I graduated from Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and the idea that my life would be involved somewhere in the film industry. Through a series of rapid coincidences I became attracted to the idea of creating sculpture. My apprenticeship with an Ottawa sculptor named Bruce Garner found me becoming more interested in the carving of stone and under his suggestion I traveled to Italy in January 1973 to find his friend Bart Uchida in Carrara. He helped me find studio space and accommodation. The funds ran out after six months. My first marble sculptures were sent home, and I knew I would be back. I returned and helped Bruce finish his ceremonial doors for the Commonwealth Center in Ottawa, worked on other projects and saved for Italy. In February 1974 I was ready to retum to Italy. By this time Bart had moved to Pietrasanta and he suggested that I check it out. I did, and in doing so found a "sculpture heaven" for the creation of works in marble, cast bronze or silver and mosaic. In this area one can find world-class facilities to help create sculptures in any of these materials. These facilities, while improving their production quality through adaptation of new computer technologies are also steeped in history. Pietrasanta has been in business of making sculpture, especially marble for the last 400 years. Because of this it has developed a vast and varied artisan base.
PietrasantArt: What is your personal involvement with your work?
Bell: For me sculpture is an idea and its surface. I am committed not only to the image I am creating, but also to its surface quality. Through my contacts with the Pietrasanta artisans I have learned the skills to totally develop and control my craft. Hence I am involved with my sculptures from their conception until final finish. For bronze and silver I retouch the waxes as well as the final finishing. This goes for large as well as small.
PietrasantArt: What are your current projects?
Bell: I have a three distinct image areas that I am working on. One is the creation of some small cast bronze fountains, with marble or granite stands that include some mosaic inlay. The first two examples are based on my recent sculpture-candlesticks, "Two Men" and "Lightbringer". These sculptures are for sale in the Online Shop. The second is further developments along the lines of "Equis", where I am creating a relief image in bronze, with a possible inclusion of mosaic, within a marble frame work. On a large scale they would make fantastic partitions. The third image area I am working on is the creation of relief, like horse portraits, that combine the positive and negative image. This concept will become more obvious when I have a photo to show you!
Of course, as soon as Robin gives us the photo, we shall publish it. Come back to see!!