noguchi

[Liv2sculpt@zzzzzzz]

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but although Noguchi did much of the work on
his sculptures himself early on in his career he had craftmen do the bulk of his
work later.  Noguchi considered himself an artist-designer as well.  He
designed many household items lamps, of course, but I saw an intercom housing that
he desinged on a recent "Antiques Roadshow" espisode.  As he became better
known and took on comissions he had lots of help.  Therefore the seams in his
striated pieces are perfect.  I believe many were done by Japanese craftsmen.
This is not unlike the careers of other well knowns.  (ie Henry Moore)
There is an informative video which follows his design, execution and
installation of a large site-oriented piece for the sculpture park at Storm King
(outside of NYC).  The video describes Noguchi's beginning concept and shows his
working relationship with a stone quarry and its craftsmen in Japan.
Also, the Hirshhorn Museum and The National Gallery of Art in Washington are
unrelated institutions and rarely give deffernce to each other in mentions or
forwarding information.  The Noguchi basalt in the foyer was comissioned for
the opening of the building in the 70's along with the large Moore, the Caro
ledge piece as well as other large scale pieces.
M Frank