Fantastic monumental sculptures by Seward Johnson
Seward Johnson is a world—famous sculptor from the USA, who created amazing monuments from bronze. They depict people, both real and characters of paintings, films and legends. The peculiarity of the master's work can be considered that his works are made in color and incredibly realistic. Bronze figures come to life after painting and look completely different.
Realistic painting of huge sculptures was easy for Johnson. The fact is that he began his career in art with painting, where he also reached some heights. He was advised to become a sculptor by his wife, who did not leave the confidence that an equally wonderful sculptor sleeps in a gifted artist.
Johnson tried, and he succeeded. Having never been involved in sculpture before, Johnson unexpectedly won the first competition in which he took part. It happened in 1968 and the newcomer had to compete with 7000 competitors!
After the first success, the young and promising sculptor was talked about. Orders arrived one after another, and the postman almost daily brought invitations from the organizers of the exhibitions. Johnson left painting, and devoted the next 50 years to sculpture. The love of bronze led to the fact that the master founded the Technical Institute of Sculpture in 1974.
The Institute, or as it was more often called Johnson's Atelier, was a non-profit enterprise. His goal was to improve the technology of casting large-sized artistic products and to train young sculptors. There was no end of those who wanted to study with the master — eager for knowledge came to Seward in San Diego from all over the world.
To create incredibly realistic works, Johnson spent a lot of time preparing. He spent hours watching passers-by, children, gardeners or policemen from the side, noticing the slightest details. After that, he cast life-size bronze figures indistinguishable from real people.
Often the sculptor was ordered huge copies of his works to be installed in squares, squares or amusement parks. They are no less realistic, and because of their gigantic size, they cause shock to unprepared viewers.
Unfortunately, the great sculptor of our time, Seward Johnson, will no longer please us with new works. The master's life ended on March 10, 2020.
Another hyperrealist sculptor who has received worldwide recognition is Lo Li Rong from China. She creates their bronzes almost airy figures of girls and weightless folds of fabrics.