Replies: 36 Comments
on Wednesday, September 19th, Brad Michael Moore said
I too most enjoy the sculpture by the sea. If it is to stay there, it suggests, "I have done what I can do, and now I will let Mother Nature take her course with polishing it up a bit..." Of course - this may not be the artist's intention - but, it is a nice way of saying grace to the powers that be beyond our control. My apologies to anyone whose feelings I may have hurt. We, as a family, continue to to mature.
on Tuesday, September 18th, Raquel Sarangello said
Trabajo con resinas poliester en esculturas transparentes y estar protegido es lo primero máscaras,guantes, etc
Muy buena obra
on Tuesday, September 18th, Mario Sughi said
by the way sorry Julia, really sorry, for using this page on your blog for clarifying on Alberto Sughi's blog.
I like your work. And I love the idea of a great sculpture by the sea. Very nice. Thanks again.
Mario
on Tuesday, September 18th, Mario Sughi said
Thanks Jose for the encouragement. Yes what you suggest seems quite interesting indeed and it's true that it would take some pressure away from the translators.
Alberto's next blog is due in the next ten days or so, let's hope we have really found some kind of solution now.
Mario
on Tuesday, September 18th, jose said
I think that would be wonderful Mario. Another way could also be for your father to post it in italian as his immediate and spontaneous response and the translation could appear later. That way there wouldn't be so much pressure on you and Andrew to translate in a hurry and it would bring colour to the forum. I look forward to this. Grazie
on Monday, September 17th, Mario Sughi said
Dear All
my name is Mario, I am Alberto Sughi's son.
What Andrew says is the true. Only a couple of days ago I wrote Jodi
the following message asking her an advice about this. I am sure Jodi will give me an answer soon, possibly after having listened to the blog contributors.
‘Hi Jodi
I read that some bloggers and blog readers made some objections to the fact that Alberto is not properly participating by no answering
to the comments of his blog.
I know that this is a problem. So what do you suggest? Alberto is aware
of this and he would love to take part at the forum and discussions.
Unfortunately Alberto is not in the position to do any better than just writing the blog due to the fact that he doesn't master the English to the level to answer to all the comments.
He is very keen to read the comments and I translate all of them for him, as Joelle, the English translator, translates the entire blog for him. So please let me know what you suggest to do.’
Mario
PS
I have just exchanged a couple of emails with Andrew. He offered me and Alberto some nice help. So in future we will tray to translate the
comments and have Alberto's answers on the blog. Maybe this could be
a solution.
on Friday, September 14th, Andrew said
BMM, I have to say this about both Julia and Alberto Sughi. I know them both, and there is a common trait they both share. Maestro Sughi does not speak English at all, and therefore would have a tough time answering questions. His blogs are translated from Italian before they're published. This is quite different from our collector Michael, who speaks English very well and could easily answer questions if he so chose.
Julia, I am convinced, did not write this blog, as she has said. Her English, though pretty good, does not flow the way the article reads...I have the same problem writing in Italian, even if I have lived here for more than a quarter of a century. I know her and her work quite well, as I have sent a couple of ton and a half care packages, sometimes supplying the marble she uses. It's top notch, and you can see for yourself from the photos, how her sculptures rate against other sculptors' work. There's a lot of drive needed to tame rough blocks into smooth, eloquent forms, and regardless of what she or anyone else has done to present the image of an artist, the work speaks the clearest if you can forget about everything else and just look at it. I'm tempted to write a blog about how we as artists present ourselves, to whom, etc., and since it's a subject you have to delve into a bit, I'm not going to start here. Let the work speak. That's where what's real is.
on Wednesday, September 12th, BradMM said
It's a drag when they you throw a party,and, everyone shows up but, the guest of honor... I hope we didn't leave too much astray, after we finally gathered up our things, and tumbled home along down the lane...:~)
on Tuesday, September 11th, olivier said
Tout est bien qui finit bien. I'm glad it is not so much of a marketing campaign again, glad to heard from you well. All my best Julia
on Tuesday, September 11th, Mark said
Thank you Julia. Good luck.
on Tuesday, September 11th, jose said
Glad to see you're back Julia. I'm relieved and happy to hear you didn't write it. I didn't mean to be so harsh but now we all understand the reason for your lack of response. Congratulations on your successes in the past weeks.
on Tuesday, September 11th, BoxEight said
BoxEight -Arts Organization
www.boxeight.com
on Monday, September 10th, Julia Cake said
It appears I must make some apologies. I have just returned from a two week trip in Southern France. (More extravagance you might shout) How wrong you would be. I hand carried on a train two suitcases containing sculptures (“The Kiss” and “The Guardian”) too heavy to check in on a European flight at almost 30 kg per piece. Yes 30kg each, which is a combined weight of 10kg heavier than me, carried on a 5 stop 1500 mile train journey. (Poor me????) No I don’t think so. I have not had reason to complain since the day I restarted sculpting in my new life in the UK, with the freedom to once again express myself through my work.
During my trip I visited a little over 20 new galleries to show my work, set up an agreement to exhibit in 2 hotels in Monaco and was very happy that a gallery in St Paul De Vence, France liked my work enough to keep the two pieces (so I didn’t have to carry them back) and into the bargain they would like to display 5 more.
For the article in this blog; it was written for couple of reasons. First to show that no matter how tough a particular activity may seem to be and how many reasons we may have to give up, if we have enough desire and passion to do something we will find a way. I was cut off from my true passion of sculpting for almost nine years.
Second the article shows that no matter what heritage we may have it is not only a name or a “black-book” full of contacts which opens doors. Yes some clay sculptors might accelerate their exposure because they have the funds to turn over many bronzes and perhaps setup solo exhibitions but this blog shows us to not use this, or any other excuse, to exclude ourselves from our passion. My personal life has not featured in my presentation to galleries, only my work and my portfolio that I personally put together in my own artistic fashion. And no “bmm” I don't yet have a Business manager a Public Relations company or a fund for solo exhibitions.
People who know me personally know that I seek no praise or credit for what I do and they know that I have the ego of a butterfly. For the art connoisseurs amongst you the tell tale signs are in the complex I and complex II sculptures I produced.
This article shows that if we are compelled to dedicate our thoughts and indeed our life to expressing ourselves through art in whatever form we cannot be stopped. And yes it also shows that there maybe people who appear more or less fortunate in life but this guarantee’s nothing.
I hope readers, particularly some fellow artists will take strength from the article, others a little pleasure and generally recommend you do not search for any cynical intent, hyperbole or “bull” within, because it is not there. Even the title’s subtle pun was intended by the author who yes Jose on this occasion was not me but they used only true fact.
Thanks for all your comments.
on Sunday, September 9th, olivier said
I do agree with you Mark, it look like we are talking to a wall of stone. Unless you prove me wrong I still have this feeling of self marketing in some post. Can I say: I beleive it is the wrong approach, like I did to a nobility here months ago? I know we don't solve anything here, but without the wish of an exchange I don't relly see the point of blogging. Or is it about a self=thing???
Julia can you draw me a sheep?
on Saturday, September 8th, Mark said
I for one would not judge or hold bitternes toward Julia or any one here. I may disagree with them but that is neither judgement or bitterness. I agree tho that julia should participate here or her ideas, opinions and experiances mean little to anyone else except her. I had always thought that the blogs are ment to be interactive and if she takes no time to reply then there is no interaction except amoung us and well what good is that without Julia's input. So what do you say Julia, want to come out and play?
on Saturday, September 8th, jose said
Well said bmm. I have been coming back to check if there was any response to our comments but sadly there is none. Though I don't really agree that Alberto Sughi falls into the same category. As to what Wynn said, I don't think there is bitterness in the comments so far, I think they just show how taken aback the majority of visitors to this forum were when confronted with the style. The comments on the photograph, I will agree, were a lame and inadequate excuse, but I am sure you know Wynn that when people are left speechless lame excuses sometimes come out. The best response would have been silence, but I'm guessing that because Julia is new to the forum [I believe this is her second post] we didn't want to silence her out. Let's wait for the next post before we judge her too harshly.
on Saturday, September 8th, bmm said
Sorry,
2nd is a draft - read uppermost of the two together.
drate....-:(
on Saturday, September 8th, bmm said
It just would have been nice for some feedback here from Julia. On any AA Prem. Portfolio page, an artist can blog what they want without allowing comments. On this main page - if you enter here - you should try to participate with the publics banter - otherwise - your space was wasted, and no learned anything - so we snipe away. If your "Business Manager," is just trying to drum up some interest for you as a client - don't do it here - you may be give a bad rap. Don't be soo cheap, and buy some real advertising somewhere. Here, dearest Julia needs to be her self, and stand for her qualities as an artist... Or, instead of tooting her own horn - teach us something she has gained from her worldly experience. Or ask us for help... RESPECT must be earned by your deeds. We still will give you another chance - all you gotta do is prepare your 'self,' and show up for the game - I'll even referee if need be. I'm sure others, like Walt, Jose', and Ellen, and others still - will agree and join in. We want for you to really come out, Julia - Be human with the rest of us. We already have one "Alberto Sughi," has much to say - but like you, doesn't talk to those below him (or here, anyway) - or maybe, he just doesn't have the time. What's your story?
on Saturday, September 8th, bmm said
It just would have been nice for some feedback here from Julia. On any AA Prem. Portfolio page, an artist can blog what they want with allowing comment. On this main page - if you enter here - you should try to participate with the public's banter - otherwise - your space was wasted, and no learned anything - so we snipe away. If your "Business Manager," is just trying to drum up some interest for your as a client - don't do it here - your be give a bad rap. Don't be soo cheap, and buy some real advertising somewhere. Here, dearest Julia needs to be her self, and stand for her qualities as an artist... Or, instead of tooting her own horn - teach us something she has gained from her worldly experience. RESPECT must be earned by your deeds. We still will give you another chance - all you gotta do is prepare your 'self,' and show up for the game - I'll even referee if need be. I'm sure others, like Walt, Jose', and Ellen, and others still - will agree. We wait for you to really come out, Julia - Be human with the rest of us. We already have one "Alberto Sughi," has mush to say - but like you, doesn't talk to those below him (or here, anyway) - or maybe, he just doesn't have the time. What's your story?
on Friday, September 7th, Texas Giftshop said
Being able to watch the Monaco Grand Prix every year must have been incredible, I'm totally jealous!
on Wednesday, September 5th, Wynn said
I think it is amazing that these replies for the most part are so bitter. FO course it is a staged Picture. WE ALL USE THEM! At least anyone who is a professional and is marketing properly! Who cares?
Yes, she made some choices that some of us would not have made. And yes, I am not really interested in Modern or Abstract art. But the woman works! She is snot spending all her time complaining about how unfair the art world is or that she isn't taken seriously. She creates and sells. So get on with it!
on Friday, August 31st, olivier said
Humility? That is probably what we are talking about or complainging about here. Some just doesn;t have it, and what? For me at least, lack of it could have his own interest..in some case. Take this collector, the real estate magma, oups no, wrong example. Talk about Dali: yes he had a lot of controversy in his time because of that. What a great character after all, talented also and so much original with humor too. I kind of like this "nihilism" - derision of everything- if it has a part of honesty. Did I talk about honesty? Again?
I beleive modern advertising need to take honesty seriously in consideration for a chance of sucess. They are too many tools available today for a fast investigation. Not taking care of it could quickly become a weapon against you.
Now I'm going sailing at the cottage, see you soon have fun.
on Friday, August 31st, matt said
This goes a long ways: 'humility.' This is quite a virtue to have.
on Friday, August 31st, Mark said
I must agree with Jose, I think none of us wish ill will toward Julia, just the opposite, though some have expressed themselves a bit strongly. Ron is right as well that there was another whos efforts here where just self promotion. I admit though I miss her blogs as they where so much fun to reply to. I know that "Your Coscience" is trying to be clever or cute by not using thier name, but I am suspisious of those who comment by hiding. If you realy believe what you say use your name, stand behind your words, otherwise they are just empty words.
I think it great Julia has overcome adversity regardless of what kind it is. We all have done the same in many different ways, some worse some not. I wish her well I wish us all well.
on Friday, August 31st, jose said
Pray tell me what we might be jealous of? Most of the people who have commented are very conscious of the individual paths they have chosen to follow and acceptant of all the ups and downs. The responses I’ve read so far have nothing to do with begrudging Ms. Cake’s success. What they do reflect is this forum’s resentment at being presented with blatant self-promotion. If I walked into a room and presented myself like this to my peers I could not expect nothing less than silence or the type of comments we have read – some will say what is on their hearts others will try to bridge the gap and try to make me see where I have stepped over the line. I see no difference here, for me this is a room I choose to come in to share ideas with others, an important part of my participation within this room is to take responsibility for what I say and how I say it, and if people don’t like what I say I have to be ready to handle the response just as I would have to if I blurted it out word for word at a dinner party. Personally I find silence cowardly, there is nothing kind in silence.
on Thursday, August 30th, Your conscience said
It sound to me like you are all very jealous of someones success. Why not applaud? Why not find the good in EVERYONE?
"Let he who casts the first stone..."
How would you feel if all of these unconcious people were saying these things about you?
on Thursday, August 30th, chris said
Never really did get involved in blogging etc., but this one really ****ed me off!
What kind of rubbish is that? "After staying in Miami and working around the clock just to survive," etcetc. Well, I guess you weren't really special there! Most of us are there or have been there!! Just that we don't get the "much needed recovery time".
Just lucky you, that you could count on your former gallery contacts when needed.
And then this: "The immense importance to Julia was the need to clear her conscience, believing she had let down a collector of one of America’s largest priceless art collections years earlier when she was living under the demands of her father." Guess what: I would have "wanted to clear my conscience" too, if I could refresh some contacts and get my work standing next to the named artists!!
All sounds like a lot of bull to me!!
on Wednesday, August 29th, Mark said
A bit much might be being said about Julia's photo. Though I admit I hate those photos of an artist standing at the easel pretending to paint, or in this case grinding, and yes saftey first but most of us know what is realy going on.
As for success at a early age, well good for her, if she can make it last. As for the suffering, we all go through that as well in many different ways, and I get tired of hearing the sob stories about that. Yes our life history makes us who we are and affects our work, but history is like body parts, we all have them but that does not mean we all want to see them. Get over it and work, because that is what is important. When your life (as has happened to many artists) becomes more important or at least more known then your work, you are not an artist but a personality, we got to many of those in the entertanment world now, lets not let the art world follow (might be to late).
So Julia, good luck in your future endevores. Put the suffering behind you and focus on the now, do not let the past become more important then the now.
on Wednesday, August 29th, BradMM said
Well, how does that song go, "*** Sales?" I wear a full face respirator just to mow the grass. What's really being hyped here? Is it stating that older artists haven't got a chance against this prodigy we are asked to expect from this slick presentation? Maybe, in the movies - but, you'll never get the best roles if you needlessly scare your face - just to audition for a slasher flick that never got made. 3 pictures were not enough to equal the praise of this article - show 6 more more completed works, or drawings designs of the the art going to the Americas. Its not I don't believe in the hype - I never got past the ***...
on Tuesday, August 28th, olivier said
We are terrible Julia. Showing art you compare to the biggest talent of last century we talk about manner and convenience. It's always been like that and probably the most important is where you stand behind that. So who are you? Where your doudt are sitting? What do you think about your thinking?
If art is an escape what is the cause (hum), why are you so scare about realities?
Personaly I become an artist because I wanted to be honest; at least try to be. Now I can tell: honesty doesn't pay. On another hand like yoga it feel so good. This is to say I saw many tricks in this business along my dealer career. Tenacity and self confidence are important; chemistry is always an appreciated talent.
We are so tuff! Thanks Jose to put the right world on everythings..as always.
As the poet said:" Il vaut mieux la voir belle et rebelle, que moche et remoche"
on Tuesday, August 28th, jose said
Julia, your work looks good in and of itself, but, as Ron points out, it becomes difficult to see that when you come forth aided by a text such as the one you’ve presented us. Our stories are not dissimilar and it is not an easy topic to approach. I’m assuming and hoping that somebody wrote this for you and that it isn’t you presenting yourself to us in the third person. In a forum like this ‘first person’ works best, we get to feel that we’re talking to you or at least reading something you’ve pondered over – the things you had to go through come across that much more meaningfully to us, and we can relate. If it was a matter of literary style I agree with Gabriella: more work should be put into it. As to the photo I do agree with David and Olivier – keep it real, always. There’s nothing worse than that picture of an artist sitting at his easel ready to touch the canvas with no paint on his brush. Best to stand next to the work, with tool in hand if need be, but not intending to make the next stroke… unless of course it is caught in action, but than it really does make a difference.
on Monday, August 27th, bm said
Well said Ron.
on Monday, August 27th, Gabriella said
Really eloquent self-mythologizing, could use some editing and spell check, and maybe fewer hyperboles.
on Monday, August 27th, Ron Massey said
There was once another here who bored us to tears with deluded self-aggrandizement and tawdry advertisments, thankfully those eventually came to an end. Personally I don't think it was a vacancy that needed to be filled.
on Monday, August 27th, olivier said
Very nice totem indead. I agree David, on top I beleive you should wear an helmet when you carry this hammer, kids are watching you. What do you think about a pair of gloves?
on Monday, August 27th, David Burns said
It's a nice photo of you but even if it is a mock pose, eye protection, eye protection, eye protection when working with power tools! Good examples must always be set, especially in the public eye!
Picture the scene, born in Monaco 1973 child number 192. Waking up each morning to the breathtaking view, watching the FI grand prix from your balcony, growing up in the French Riviera, enjoying fantastic holidays, trips around the world, socializing with royalty, frequenting opera houses, restaurants and meeting the most famous and wealthiest visitors to Monaco from around the world. 
Julia’s early sculpting success could have come from here seemingly privileged background. Alas no, it had to come from her independence, stubbornness, determination and obvious talent and all at a serious personal cost to Julia’s already fragile demeanour. In fact she was discouraged from sculpting almost as soon as she started because this was not the route intended for her. After persuasive techniques failed, she was finally positively forbidden to continue and to take a marketing degree and work for her father in his business.
After staying in Miami and working around the clock just to survive, Julia was one day introduced to a family in Palm Beach who after finding out what treatment she had endured and what she was doing to survive they invited her to stay with them and take some much needed recovery time. Around three more years of sculpting abstention passed before Julia married and finally had a new opportunity to sculpt. An art supply store owner saw some photographs of Julia’s early works and clearly recognizing what talent was lying within offered her some free stone. 
When asked about her style, Julia says that with marble, style is often determined by the stone itself. A recent piece called Complex II started from a small red colored blemish in the stone that became the cheek (butt) of a beautiful lady. Most people assume Julia’s work is somewhat abstract but that is not always the way Julia sees that same work. The intent that shows in her work is certainly unique and it is abundantly clear that she sees exclusively in her way. Some of her work can only be completely appreciated by the viewer over time, with Julia’s real intent only known with an understanding of her deepest thoughts. 
