Michael Alfano: The Sculptor with a Social Conscience

“Any art form is considered to be the best when it can engage the viewers, generates discussion, and also induces a change phenomenon.”

This ideology applies to Michael Alfano, a Massachusetts-based professional sculptor that has a knack in creating surreal sculptures that use the human body and face to present the philosophical ideas. He is the recipient of more than 60 awards believes that the sculptures created by him have varied meanings, which are then differently interpreted by the viewers as soon as they see it. This renowned sculpturist is in this field for 20 years and has been well known for blurring the between figurative and abstract art as almost all his pieces focus on both the aspects to create a thought-provoking structure that represents complex thoughts and phrases in a refreshingly imaginative way. In fact, the significant influencers behind his artwork include well-known names such as Jean-Antione Houdon, Salvador Dali, and Jo Davidson, followed by Buddhist, Sufi, and Taoism as well as other eastern philosophy and literature. His art can then be found in private collections, parks, museums, and galleries around the world. In fact, his artwork has been covered in numerous publications as well, such as the New York Times and the Boston Globe, etc.

Sculpture Materials

Alfano utilizes traditional methods and tools to create these masterpieces, and the work is primarily done in bronze, cold-cast copper, or resin that then compels the viewers to think, understand and experience the intricacies of life to the fullest. Let’s dwell more into detailed information about the materials used by him for his artwork.

1. Bronze: This material is used widely on account of its extreme durability as well as its availability in various patinas. The best part is that it is suitable for outdoor usage and requires minimal maintenance that can last for centuries.
2. Resin: This masterly provides structural strength to the fiberglass and is also available in faux bronze.
3. Cold cast copper and bonded bronze: the best part with this material is that the metal powders bonds well with the resin and also offer a lower-priced alternative to bronze.

The process

Alfano sometimes starts his artwork by sketching the initial idea on paper, but mostly he begins by sculpting a small clay or wax model. To create the full-size sculpture, he then focuses on using oil-based clay, and the process can take place from a few days to even months. He has often stated that as soon as he digs into clay, then the emphasis is laid on pulling out a vision that previously existed nowhere but was present only in his head or a place that is not known to him, but he is in touch with mentally. In the final step, he works with the specialists to create a mold and casting it in either cold cast copper, bronze, or resin. Once the casting is done, then a finishing touch is given by Michael, which is then signed, and its limited editions are numbered.

Public and Monumental Art of Michael Alfano

1. A peace offering: a famous bench that uses oversized hands, which are the wings of a dove and a tail that transforms into a hawk. This functional sculpture invites two people to sit down and work on their differences to attain both personal and world peace.
2. Gates of Transcendence: It is a face split in the middle that represents two sides to every situation. They also express different perspectives when the sculpture is viewed from the front, behind, and even while walking between. It is just like taking a symbolic journey to break free from the facades to get a clear and novel view about life.
3. The Holocaust Monument: This monument exemplifies the sculpting talents of Michael Alfano in an expressive and meaningful way.
4. Ethics of Peace: This sculpture installed in 2000 provides a model for the ideal conduct to assist people in living a life of peace and harmony with other people and nations.

With these famous pieces and many more, this renowned artist is working with a mission to create sculptures that can be related to everyday life and cause the viewers to think, experience, and understand life to the fullest. Want to know more about his artwork? Visit his website: www.michaelalfano.com. You will surely witness a collected body of works that are surreal, philosophical, evocative, and figurative-based.