At the end of May, Rivodutri (Province of Rieti) held a public event to present Mariagrazia Pontorno’s Le radici auree (Golden Roots): a work of art that will be installed near the San Francesco Beech Tree [see news: In the Shade of the Beech Tree]. "I imagined that the roots of this beech tree could accompany pilgrims along the route," explains the artist, who is now shaping the clay for her work.
“During this phase,” Mariagrazia explains, “the artist works together with the shaper, who enlarges the provided model. This is the easiest phase during which to make changes and achieve the initial spirit of the work. The next phase is to make the rubber model and then the wax ones that precede the fusion. Even the wax models can be modified, but less so than clay.”
The bronze sculptures by Mariagrazia Pontorno recall the contorted roots of the tree and will be installed along the walk, allowing pilgrims to know they are on the right path. Moreover, the roots will have an ergonomic shape that will allow pilgrims to sit and rest during the walk.
"It was a unique experience working in the midst of nature in the garden by the foundry,” continues Mariagrazia. "I almost felt as if I were under the beech tree. And it’s nice to think that these statues, which are destined to lie in nature, have been shaped in a natural environment.”
The installation, one of the winners of the Regione Lazio Call for “Arte sui cammini,” literally “art on walks,” will be inaugurated in September.
