The Original & Best Tours
Robert Bodem
Sculptor Robert Bodem Showcases His Work at Artviva
Of late, working on the human figure has taken on a new dimension for Robert Bodem. An established sculptor and director of the sculpture programme at the Florence Academy of Art since 1998, Rob feels his experience with sculpture has dramatically changed over the past five years. Much of this has to do with gaining the technical knowledge needed to work with the human body, he says.
‘It’s happening now. I don’t struggle with the figure as I once did. Of course, the challenges of getting the proportion and gesture right are still there. But now there’s another battle that’s different. Now that I am in control of the human form, I can play with the pose, make it move. Finally I can focus on making sculpture speak.’
Over the past two years, Rob concentrated on getting a lot of his work out into the public eye. A number of galleries in Europe and the USA have his sculptures. Last year he took part in key group exhibitions in Dublin, and in 2007 he was invited to show in Venice during the Biennale.
Now, Rob wishes to concentrate wholly on new sculpture projects. He is currently working on the theme of human introversion. He is currently sculpting an imposing figure of a man in a position of hiding within himself. He plans then to develop a female figure on the same scale. Both sculptures will appear acutely aware of each other, each introverted and shy. The idea is that, with the sculptures placed close to each other but without touching, viewers will feel they have come upon an intimate scene.
To get to where he is now, at the age of 37, Rob has trodden a fascinating path, starting as an art student at Boston University and apprentice to the Greek American abstract sculptor Dimitri Hadzi, friend of Marino Marini and Alberto Giacometti. As a boy growing up in upstate New York, Rob initially simply aspired to being an art educator, but his teachers encouraged him to take the subject more seriously, as a professional artist. His family was close to that of Dan Graves, and seeing the rich collection of pictures in the Graves home was a great inspiration.
After a while, Rob felt the need to move on. The combination of a desire for the experience of living abroad and a lingering interest in the figure made Rob decide to go to Florence in 1996. His experience studying at the Florence Academy convinced him to refocus his attention on figurative sculpture, working with clay to cast in bronze or plaster. Rob recalls how Dimitri, when he had gone to take his leave from him, gave him two warnings: ‘Don’t fall in love with the figure, and do not engage in a political conversation with an Italian.’ He didn’t succeed in heeding either one, he admits.
Artviva is proud to announce that we will be working with Robert Bodem. Clients will have an exclusive opportunity to hear the sculptor himself speak about his passion behind the art and see the sculptures themselves. This is an exclusive experience that you cannot miss. What better way to experience modern art in the Renaissance city, see the sculptures, hear the story behind them and meet the artist himself? For more information, and to book, please click here.
Text written by Zoe Bray.
What people say about us:
Michael Palin
Actor/Presenter (Monty Python and a list of fabulous films too long to list here)
Lou Reed
Rockstar
Richard Kind
Actor (Mad about You, Spin City)
Alex Rodriguez
Baseball Star (In December of 2000 Rodriguez became the best-paid ballplayer of all time when he signed a $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers)
Mike Munro
One of Australia's finest investigative journalists and well known media personalities.
Bill Kurtis
Acclaimed documentary host and producer, network news anchor and multimedia production company .
Nat Young
World Surfing Champion
As recommended by:
Find us on:
Facebook Users Reviews
On
2011/12/09
John Brade said:
cooking class
I took the Cooking Class and Market tour (in San Lorenzo Market). It was awesome! The market had the most incredible fresh ingredients, and the most amazing seafood selection I have ever seen. The cooking class was extremely professional, and the lunch afterwards was great! I recommend this class for anyone.Mark
On
2011/12/07
Aurelija Dugnaite said:
A truly life changing experience
Absolutely amazing.Words can hardly express how much we enjoyed our experience with ArtViva! From the minute we stepped in their lovely office, we felt attended, looked after and taken care of. The friendly staff advised us in detail of what would suit our tastes and knowledge best, and as they have so many beautiful tours to choose from, that help was very appreciated. Florence's cultural richness can be overwhelming, but relying on ArtViva made everything easy and utterly enjoyable for us.The small group walking tour of Florence exceeded all expectations. Our guide Paul was tremedous: a true Florence insider, with amazing knowledge of arts and culture, engaging story telling and great local tips you won't find in a guide book. The memories of the tour will stay with me and my sister for many many years. Booking with ArtViva is the best single thing you could do to have the ultimate Florence experience.Thank you, ArtViva.
On
2011/11/29
Sepideh Emami said:
On
2011/11/24
Eddi Frantz said:
Friendly and Knowledgable.
An essential part of visiting such an historical city as Florence is a smart, knowledgeable tour guide. Artvivas guides are fun, friendly and really know their stuff. Plus they know all those great places not on most guidebooks that only a passionate local world know. Dont even contemplate a visit to the Uffizi or Michaelangelos David without one!
On
2011/11/24
Kathleen Marriott said:
Hightlight of Italian Trip
Thanks so much for the great walking tour we did in Florence in May. It was fun, informative and we were treated like VIPS! The guide made us feel welcome and got to know exactly what we were interested in seeing to make sure all was covered. If we had tried to do everything we did on the tour on our own, we would have spent days getting hopelessly lost! I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in the art, architecture, history and the culture of Florence.
On
2011/11/22
Caroline Beck said:
Feels like you have hired a first-class guide from a first-class outfit – at a fraction of the price.
If you are the type to shy away from “packaged” tours, preferring to go it alone in a brand new city, Art Viva might just be your new BFF (best friend forever) when on tour in Florence. Comfortably small groups - instead of large crowds moving en-masse. Personalized insights by well-educated guides – instead of canned presentations. ArtViva’s walking tours are the next best thing to hiring a private art historian to walk you around this fabulous city – at a fraction of the price. Their 3-hour walking introduction to Florence’s history and a follow-up tour of the Uffizi dispelled all my preconceptions that tour groups were not for me. Even if you’ve been to Florence before, start your vacation off right in 3 quick hours. It will set the stage for a perfect stay.
On
2011/11/22
Brigitte Reynolds said:
Incredible!
My husband and I had the good fortune of taking ArtViva tours of Florence while on our honeymoon. We started with the walking tour, followed by the David tour. We were so impressed we immediately signed up for the Uffizi tour the next day. The guides we had (Sasha/Sylvia & Brenda) were all amazing; they were incredibly knowledgable, friendly and spoke perfect English. What was best was their genuine enthusiam and love of the arts and history of Florence; their excitment was contagious and inspired us to want to know and learn more! I couldn't have asked for a better experience.Brigitte Reynolds
On
2011/11/22
Nadia LaMantia said:
a wonderful experience!
I loved my tour, and the artviva staff were so great and extremely helpful!!
On
2011/11/16
Jade Farley said:
GREAT Tours!
Best tours I have ever been on! The guide's knowledge was just incredible, and I can't wait to come back to do more tours.
On
2011/11/09
Alexandra Buscaino said:
Educational and entertaining!
Our tour was great - very informative, and the guide just fabulous! He not only knew so much about the history, but also had a knack for storytelling that kept us all fascinated.
Live Tweets
Artviva is guaranteed by:
