Passion Sculpture
Arson discusses his journey and tells us about his work as a sculptor.
My job
I am often asked the same questions about my work as a sculptor.
Why did I become an artist, and a sculptor in particular?
Why choose sculpture, when I had started a painting course at art school and wanted to move towards architecture?
Why be represented by leading online art galleries like Artsper or Saatchi and create my own website?
In fact, I don't have a precise answer as to why I chose sculpture , simply because it wasn't a choice. It's my sensitivity, my interest in materials and objects, that gradually allowed me to express myself through sculpture. I need to work with materials of any kind; I find profound pleasure in transforming a lump of clay into a model, in carving stone, or in pouring metal into a plaster mold that I've created from a model or a carving. When I begin a piece in the studio, driven by an idea, an irrepressible urge, I have no idea what the result will be, and a struggle begins between the material and me.
Sometimes I doubt myself, I'm afraid of going in the wrong direction, of not succeeding because the material is stronger than my will to bend it, to shape it as I wish, because it resists my desire to transform it. This feeling of resistance is very strange, and often I have to force it. I can already hear you drawing a parallel with a desired woman. I admit that sculpture is first and foremost a sensual expression that could be linked to love. In my case, it's the love of a woman; you'll also tell me that this shines through in my work, undeniably.
But I would say that my work is surrealist poetry, and if my work is described as iconoclastic, I consider it a compliment. Too much has already been seen in art today, too much has already been copied and recopied. Too much "gadget" or "decorative" art, which fills the galleries, and to which I prefer the art of expressing an opinion, in an era when we are advised not to have one. Freedom of thought, freedom of action, freedom of speech having become a mortal sin, in a world without dreams and without a future, art is still a possible medium.
What could be more beautiful, what could be more exciting than my work as a sculptor?
Generally, all my sculptures are either sculpted or made from clay models. Once the sculpture is complete, I create a mold to make casts in resin or metal, bronze or tin. You might ask... why casts and not unique pieces? Of course, I have many unique works, but they are naturally more expensive.
All my reproductions at different scales, such as the Esculmaux family, are specific sculptures and not simply 3D reproductions. Model 53 will be more feminine than model 230, and the same applies to the others.
modern Sculpture Gallery
Only a few artists are fortunate enough to make a living solely from their art. This is why I created my own online sculpture gallery. Although my works are shown in a few art galleries run by friends, and although I have taken part in many exhibitions and art fairs, I want to stay directly connected with those who appreciate contemporary sculpture and the art market – collectors, art lovers and curious visitors alike. It may be a virtual gallery, but it can lead you straight to my studio in the South of France. After nearly fifty years living in Gordes in the Vaucluse in Provence, I am now based in Bouchet, a charming village on the Côtes du Rhône in the Drôme Provençale, where you can discover my artistic environment and where I would be delighted to welcome you in person.
You will come to visit me – still in Provence – amid the splendid vineyards of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and countless other delights of the region: the truffle market of Richerenches, the Grignan Festival, the Chorégies d’Orange, the lands around Mont Ventoux and so many other southern treasures. It is here, in this land of sunshine and wine, that I pursue my art, develop new contemporary sculptures and creative works, and enjoy the freedom of making art for those who appreciate it. I will be waiting for you.
