Christoph SpathBalance
Christoph Spath
Germany (1957)
/ THE WORK
Balance, 2002
granite and glass
The density and weight of African granite contrasted with the lightness and transparency of glass: thus, in this work we seek harmony between the natural and the artificial. Granite and glass, in fact, are both composed of quartz; glass, however, must be worked and shaped by man to take on its final appearance.
The main body of the sculpture was created in Pietrasanta, while the 400 kilos of glass – with which the artist alludes to the inner life or soul – come from nearby Siena and the different colours of the granite were specifically chosen to harmonize with the palette of the surrounding nature. Finally, the different textures and surface treatments highlight the contrast between the natural appearance and the artistic intervention.
The sculpture faces south, positioned on a hill which allows maximum illumination of the glass insertion during the day. The artist thus aims to arouse a sense of balance in the viewer: the mind can wander and absorb the beauty and diversity of the surrounding environment as if it were one with it.
Christoph Spath
Germany (1957)
BIOGRAPHY
Christoph Spath was born in 1957 in Stuttgart, Germany. He studied architecture and subsequently sculpture in Aachen and Duesseldorf, Germany. In 1981 he relocated to the US and settled in Vermont in 1982. During the following 15 years he worked in his own studio at Vermont Marble Exhibition as a stone sculpture and carving teacher.
In 1997 he headed the newly formed Stone division of the Johnson Atelier in Mercerville, New Jersey, where he mentored young artists in exploring the full potential of advanced stone working technology. His experience spans more than 25 years of working as an active artist, combined with teaching, project management and software development.
Spath’s sculptures are mainly carved in stone, often combined with glass and light. They are exhibited widely in the United States and Europe.
USEFUL INFORMATION
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HOW TO REACH US
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By paved road from Siena, take the SP408 to Ponte a Bozzone. Turn left at the church and follow the signs for Pievasciata / Sculpture Park. We are about 15 km from Siena.
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THE WALK
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The walk round the Park is about 1,5 km and it is suitable for baby buggies and wheelchair users. Upon request we offer a tour of the Park in an electric buggy for those with mobility issues. Contact us for further information.
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OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
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Open every day (including Sundays and holidays) from 10am to 6pm. Last entry one hour before closing.
Tickets: €10 adults | € 5 reduced – under 18 yrs | Free 0-4 yrs
Booking is not necessary. The Chianti Sculpture Park APP – available for free on Apple Store and Google Play Store – is an excellent audio guide!
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GROUPS
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Groups of more than 12 people are asked to book entry in advance, to facilitate organisation.
Guided tours are available in Italian and English upon reservation.
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A VISIT FOR EVERYONE
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The visit to the Park lasts an hour and a half on average and it is absolutely suitable for children! Our four-legged friends are welcome providing they are kept on a lead and any ‘deposits’ are removed! The park does not have a restaurant, but we will be happy to recommend some restaurants that can be reached by car in a few minutes. A picnic area is available.
CHIANTI SCULPTURE PARK
Strada provinciale 9, 48
53019 Pievasciata - Castelnuovo Berardenga (Si)
P.I. 01181460526 C.F. 92044080528
Phone: +39 0577 357151 E-mail: info@parcosculturechianti.it
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