 a r t i s t o f t h e m o n t h
Interview with Dolores Valenza
by Rocío Heredia
Are there any historical or contemporary artists that you specifically admire?
Corot was my first love. I copied his work, which was good since doing that taught me a lot. DaVinci, verMeer, Falconet, VanGogh, A.St. Gaudens, D.C.French, Gaudy, Dali, Sargent, Picasso, Pollack, Granget, early Meissen masters. One could go on and on and not mention all of them; I would need to write a book to list all who influenced me.
Presently, my son, Lawrence, an artist, influences me.
How did you start to work with Porcelain?
It began with a ceramics course at the Brooklyn Museum art school. Ceramics, Porcelain were a new love to me. Recall seeing "Ophelia" by Cybis in an ad in a magazine. I longed to make a sculpture like that, little knowing I would one day be commissioned by them, and would see my work in advertisements.
Prior to that a friend saw some of my paintings and said, "If you can paint like that, you can sculpt. Those words spurred me on. I read all I could about sculpture. This friend taught me how to do Lace draping in Porcelain as well. Gave many classes on the subject. Then began working for a mold (hobby) co. My first commission was for a beer stein, a Lovers stein. I did everything from steins to bowls, clocks and tureens etc. That was a great experience since I learned how to sculpt for reproduction, how to refine plaster waste, block and case molds. Did want to mention that porcelain shrinks about 13 to 15%, in the firing, depending on the formula at the particular manufacturer. Ceramic bodies shrink very slightly. Learned how to work with tools, how to avoid undercuts, all very essential since every mark on the final mold will show up in the product requiring extra work. Another friend, Gale, said I should show my work to Cybis. Did so and got my first commission from them, and many more after that. I later went on to Hutschenreuther of Germany. Again, a fantastic experience, brought on by a letter to Gunthar Granget. I later was commissioned by many other companies. Also studied during this time, and was raising four children and one husband. Joke there.
I might note: As mentioned, Porcelain and other clay bodies can shrink so this allowance has to be kept in mind. Porcelain casts may have to have support in the kiln since the firing temperatures are so high; and because of design, they might collapse. If the pieces have extended arms or such, or are leaning, supports are used for each casting. They must be cast along with the model and of the same material. They; because of the shrinkage, have a one time use ...cost again, comes into the picture.
How do you feel being the first woman ever to be commissioned by Hutschenreuther?
I was the first woman to work in the Forming department at Hutschenreuther.
There were and are many women who have and do work as Shape designer, decorators and painters, etc. I guess I feel that any woman who makes an inroad for her is making it for all women. How did I feel, honored. How did they feel a mystery?
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