~ Gene Diakono ~
Gene
Diakono was born in Germany and immigrated to the US in 1951.
Shortly after graduating from high school, he entered the Center
for Creative Studies, Detroit, Michigan where he majored in painting
and sculpture. Realizing that the school could only give him the
basics, he decided to leave after completing his second year.
Gene continued to study on his own, going to museums, reading
all the old treatises on sculpture that he could find, while constantly
observing and studying nature, which is the true source of his
inspiration.
Today, Gene Diakono is a master
sculptor thoroughly schooled in the grand tradition of figurative
art. The sophistication of form, movement and the human spirit
in his works are unparalleled in contemporary sculpture.
The artist’s approach to sculpture
is unique in this day and age. His modeling is done strictly from
life as opposed to the current trend of using photographic aids.
A clay figure is modeled from life over a six month period. Afterwards,
two additional months are required to make a waste mold for casting
a hydrocal model, which is then chased to perfection by the master.
The hydrocal model, now ready, is shipped to the foundry to be
cast in bronze. At completion, the bronze statue is a realization
that has taken twelve full months to achieve. |
|
|
The
sculptor supervises all his bronze castings personally, and he employs
one of the world’s top foundries. This assures the public that
each and every casting is of Renaissance quality.
As a master sculptor, Gene Diakono sites
three characteristics each sculpture must have to endure the test of
time.
Stability of Action—Meaning certainty of equilibrium. A
harmonious animation that conveys the impression of unencumbered mobility.
Sophistication of Form—Meaning the drawing of all
parts must harmonize to a unified effect; the anatomy and movement creating
a vision of unity.
Substance of Presence—A work of sculpture must
exude a personality which makes itself known; felt. A statue must be
emotive, it must inspire us to stop and study its presence.
|
