This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/14/2011 12:00 AMThe Lori Warner Studio/Gallery features the sculpture of self-taught artist Dalton Ghetti through Oct. 10. On Friday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., Ghetti will be at the gallery at 21 Main Street, Chester, to discuss his work, his inspirations, and the process behind the creation of each sculpture. This event is free and open to the public; reservations are suggested.
Ghetti patiently and meticulously carves pencils into minutely detailed works of art. When he began sculpting, he carved large objects, but as a challenge to himself and because of his interest in small living things, he decided to create the smallest carvings that he could see with his naked eyes. One day, he picked up a working pencil and started carving it and the rest is history. Most of the pencils he uses are found on the streets and sidewalks. Dalton's work is a recycling process whereby he turns discarded objects into art.
According to Ghetti, "My idea is to bring people's attention to small things. I feel that small is beautiful." To create his sculpture, Dalton holds the pencil in his hand under a strong light source and carves it mostly with a sewing needle and a small, very sharp, triangular metal blade. Whenever he gets inspired, he sculpts in very short intervals of one to two hours per day. He works very slowly by removing specks of graphite a little at a time. Therefore, it takes months or sometimes years to complete a sculpture.
For Ghetti, sculpting pencils is a hobby and a form of meditation that requires a lot of patience. His pencil carvings are not for sale. He plans to donate his life's work in its entirety to a museum with the intention that the collection be kept together and not ever sold. Ghetti believes in universal public access to art. For more information, call the gallery at 860-322-4265 or visit www.loriwarner.com.