SCULPTURE AT PERALTA
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Fiore's sculpture is everywhere at Peralta. The monumental 'Araba Fenice' (The Phoenix) looks as if it is flying off the main terrace in front of the hamlet of Peralta. Fiore would say that this sculpture of the Phoenix is a symbol of Peralta 'rising from the ashes'.


'Gemelli' was sculpted in Carrara marble and represents two heads joined together. They look down the path and are the first thing you see as you walk up to the hamlet.


The "Growth of Life" was originally commissioned by the architect Pei for the Kipps Bay Plaza in New York, where it now stands. Fiore also made one cast for herself, and this is on the terrace of Casa Nuova.


In front of the little Chapel stands the 'Calabrian Woman'. Cast in cement, Fiore was inspired to make this piece while in Calabria. She saw a peasant woman coming from the olive groves with a still born baby in her arms.


'The Mask' sits above the steps leading to Casa Luigi.
Inside, stands a boy dressed as a cowboy. This is in plaster, the bronze cast having been commissioned by his family in Australia after the boy had died by drowning.
Most of the houses and apartments have sculpture in them, or a drawing by Fiore. We have tried to keep the atmosphere she created and her spirit lives on in Peralta through her sculpture.
For guests that are interested, there is a permanent exhibition of Fiore's work that can be visited by arrangement.
Jan Marsh wrote an excellent biography of Fiore, published in 2004, and this is also available at Peralta. www.fioredehenriquez.com

 

Neil Ferber, a sculptor from Cumbria in northern England, bases himself in Peralta for much of the winter. He loves to live and work here and makes the most of our off season period, also enjoying the proximity of the bronze foundries of Pietrasanta. He has two pieces sitting on Peralta's terraces. Sculpture 1 ....... Sculpture 2

Gitte Wendelboe Lassen, formerly Fiore's assistant, studied at Carrara Academy of Sculpture and her sculpture can also be seen in Peralta. Jens Longniv is a plaster she did while at the Academy and her portrait of Kate looks down on the steps. Other sculptures she has made can also be seen.

Paul Czainski, well known for his trompe l'oeil and decorative painting work, gave a bronze plaque to Peralta which can be seen on the wall outside La Foresteria's loggia. He made this while staying at Peralta in 2004, and cast it at Pietrasanta.


"The African Woman", also in bronze, was inspired by a visit to Harlem.