Kia Ricchi, Centerline Production, St. Cloud, Florida
Artist uses concrete to create works that imitate nature and fanciful icons
by Ester Brody
of as a basic medium for sidewalks, utility flooring and parking lots, concrete has become the modeling clay for a new group of artists. These artists take concrete beyond the realm of simple slabs and block used for seating in public settings. Rather, these artists envision large-scale, abstract and naturalistic sculpture that have become the focal points in many of today's commercial office centers, universities, public parks and recreation sites.
While using concrete as a backdrop to create imitation bricks and stone formations is nothing new, especially in hotel and amusement park settings, using concrete to create public art is. "Because it's so easy to work with and durable, more designers and architects are giving concrete a spotlight when they make plans for public spaces," says artist Kia Ricchi of Centerline Production in St. Cloud, Florida. "I work in concrete because it is a structural medium that can be artistically manipulated. Concrete also has great durability and lends itself perfectly to the outdoors and heavy pedestrian use."
Ricchi's work has been displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art and the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden in Palm Beach. She has also designed art for urban environments. In one recent example of urban art, Ricchi created a sculpture called "Euclidean Fancy," an angular structure that stands about 8' tall and measures 6' deep and 6' across. The work features geometric angles and shapes that are meant to complement the surrounding architecture. To keep the piece from becoming too cold or austere, Ricchi incorporated round river rock, natural textures and acid washes to soften the overall appearance. According to Ricchi, her goal in this project and others she constructs is to build a piece that will harmonize with its surroundings while generating visual interest.
After receiving her bachelor's degree in New York, Ricchi spent ten years working as a sculptor and painter for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. As one might expect, these high profile theme parks proved to be an excellent training ground for creating large scale works of art that push the envelope of creativity on a daily basis. Her work at these parks provided Ricchi with a background in using concrete to sculpt large-scale props used throughout the properties. "Working at places like Disney and Universal Studios gives an artist a fantastic opportunity to work in all types of media to create textures that truly look like the real thing," Ricchi observes.
Ricchi was so intrigued with working in carved concrete that she started her own business, Centerline Production. Her company focuses on developing works of public art for clients like the Miami Zoo, the Florida Marlins and Blockbuster Video. Ricchi says that the whole concept of public art is a growing trend among corporations and local governments who want to support the arts by commissioning or acquiring works that provide direct access to the public. Art in public spaces has other benefits; property managers believe it boosts curb appeal and establishes a distinctive, upscale atmosphere. Ricchi adds that public art brings people together as they observe the work, or simply use it as a landmark or photo opportunity.
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