Sculpture has always captivated our imaginations. Unlike other art forms, sculpting in stone is unforgiving, there is no going back once you take the chisel and hammer to the stone. One wrong hit and the stone can crack, however when done with care and great skill, the results are astounding. What the mind can imagine, a gifted sculptor can create in stone; American sculptor Robin Antar is one such artist. Her vision is inspired, at times whimsical, at other times bold and formidable, yet each piece captures the beauty of the stones she selects.
Robin Antar
We spoke at length with Robin Antar in late November 2024, to learn more about this talented artist and how she became a sculptor. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, her family moved to Brooklyn when she was fifteen and in high school. Moving is always challenging, especially for a teenager attending a new school, and not knowing anyone. Encouraged by a teacher to take a sculpting class, she was hesitant at first and afraid to try it, but gradually fell in love with the sculpting process. From that first sculpting course, it led to a lifelong career and appreciation for sculpting in stone.
Unlike painting with oils where you can easily scrape off paint before it dries to make changes, or with acrylic paints that dry quickly and you can paint over the canvas to make changes, sculpting in stone is much more exacting. It is a combination of art and science, as every stone has a different density. It is important to research the stone to know its density and what tools you can use, whether it can withstand a chisel, saw, or grinding. Each stone must be approached differently and very carefully. You must be in control of your stone and know what tools you can use to shape them. Through years of experience that began in a course in high school, to the years spent in her studio carefully honing her craft, her genius in her approach to stone sculpting comes to life through the art she creates.
Her focus is creating “American Contemporary Culture in Stone’ and her favorite stone to work with is Carrera marble, which is also the most expensive, however it is easier to work with and you can use a chisel on it. Robin added that you must also give it “TLC” (Tender Loving Care) and be nice to it, and the results will be spectacular. Although she likes to work with Honeycomb Calcite and Onyx as well, extra care must be taken with those stones as they can split if not approached correctly.
For Robin, while her work is imaginative, playful, whimsical, and oftentimes formidable due to their size and presence, sculpting is more than just an art form for her. Sculpting has also helped her overcome many challenges and tragedies throughout her life, including learning at age 16 that she has retrolental fibroplasia, a condition that she has had since birth, which left her blind in one eye. When we asked how she did not realize that she was blind in one eye sooner, she replied that is just how she thought everyone saw. That statement sums up Robin perfectly as she continually adapts and moves ahead despite any challenges that life presents her. She also added that there is nothing like venting on a solid object and turning anger into something of beauty.
Summer Barbecue
Her spectacular sculptures draw attention and range from large-scale sculptures for high-end collectors to smaller-scale decorative sculptures perfect for all collectors. One of her whimsical Statement Pieces/Realism in Stone include a giant hamburger, complete with sesame seeded bun, lettuce, tomato, red onion, relish, and accompanied with pickle, and fries entitled “Summer Barbecue” part of her “What is America” series. $72,000 USD.
Sandals Summer at the Beach
Whimsical and playful, Robin’s “Marble Carving of Sandals Summer at the Beach” are the perfect art accessory for your beach house. Made from carved marble and leather, each lipstick red sandal with white “stitching” measures 2-inches high by 9.5-inch wide by 3.5-inches in depth. $4,600 USD.
Undoing the knot
Robin’s “Undoing The Knot” sculpture also highlights her artistry and skill as a sculptor. Made of variegated onyx, the piece is visually stunning and inspires the viewer to mentally “undo the knot” of the intertwined stone knot. It is symbolic of untying knots in one’s life. The piece measures 29-inches high by 15-inches wide by 11-inches in depth on a granite base measuring 2-inches high by 16-inches wide by 10-inches in depth. $48,000 USD.
Marble L Heart Knot
Also spectacular is her work, “L Heart Knot” made from Vermont marble. Robin describes this piece: “The series of stone knots represent the challenges of life and universal themes of struggle. This finished piece reminded me of a heart, so I titled it: L Heart Knot.” The sculpture measures 16-inches high by 22-inches wide by 9-inches in depth. $52,750 USD.
Bronze Work Boot with Rivets
Her work goes beyond stone sculpture, as she also creates in bronze. A stunning example of her attention to the intricate details include her “Bronze Work Boot with Rivets,” part of a series of American-made work boots, which she describes as “a symbolic tribute to the American spirit that built this country and still make it great today.” What especially caught our attention was the rugged bottom and attention to detail with its suede laces on this well-worn work boot. The bronze boot is part of a Limited Edition of 12. This is 3/12. Dimensions: 6.5-inches high by 11.25-inches wide by 4.5-inches in depth. $9,500 USD.
Decorative Fluorite Sculpture Card Holder
In addition to her large-scale sculptures, Robin also sculpts smaller-scale sculptures that are perfect for home, office, or to purchase as a gift. Her “Decorative Fluorite Sculpture Card Holder” that measures 4-inches high by 9-inches wide by 3.5-inches in depth. $125 USD, would be perfect for an executive desk.
Earth Tone Stone Salt Cellar
Robin’s “Earth Tone Stone Salt Cellar” carved out of a single block of alabaster would look gorgeous for elegant home dinners, at high-end restaurants, or at Spas to hold potpourri. This piece measures 2-inches high by 3.5-inches wide by 3.5-inches in depth. $220 USD.
Stone Centerpiece Salt Cellar
Also wonderful for a small gift is her “Stone Centerpiece/Salt Cellar” also carved out of alabaster that can be used for salt or dried spices (no oils or liquids though, as they will stain the stone.) This piece measures 4-inches high by 8-inches wide by 6-inches depth. $350 USD.
Stone sculpture is not only beautiful but is created to last generations. Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts.
For more information on Robin Antar and her sculptures, please visit the website: https://robinantar.com/
Robin Antar
Telephone: +1-917-841-6383
Email: Robin@rantar.com
Website: https://robinantar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinantar/ @robinantar
YouTube: @robinantar
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