Desert glamour

Art plays an equally valid role outside the house, providing a creative dimension and visual interest in outdoor living areas and around the garden.

Artist Jim Vilona was commissioned to create artistic settings for several outdoor areas around the home.

"We were asked to add a level of visual complexity and drama to the landscape and living areas," he says.

His large bronze Mobius Bench provides a strong structural element in the garden. It has the added advantage of being functional, providing a resting place for visitors. Four Wave Chairs are also part of the landscape design, and again, these have a clear purpose.

Vilona hand-casts his sculptures, working with bronze. He then hand-applies patinas in the old-world Italian method.

"Bronze lends itself to many creative designs and has a recognizable distinction for its collectability, durability and timelessness," he says. "Mixing fine art around a landscaped area creates an artistic balance between art and nature, and being able to use the artworks to sit and relax on adds appeal and makes a striking and dramatic statement."

Vilona says his passion lies in communicating with each piece of sculpture as he works on it.

"I love creating contemporary and organic shapes with my bronze artwork. It's a fuller experience working with functional art, particularly where there will be direct communication through physical and visual contact," says the artist.

Vilona produces sculptures on small and monumental scales, and he undertakes both private and corporate commissions.

Contact James Vilona Sculpture, PO Box 19559, Boulder, CO 80308, phone (303) 444 2363. Email: info@jamesvilona.com, or visit the website: www.jamesvilona.com.

Story by: Trendsideas