Bronze Sculptural Fountain by Aris Demetrios, circa 1970

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Bronze Sculptural Fountain by Aris Demetrios, circa 1970

About the Item

A modernist, yet classical, bronze fountain, made by California-based artist Aristides (Aris) Demetrios, circa 1970. Water issues from the center and cascades down the the two-tiered star shaped elements into an elegant circular bowl below, supported by a square base and plinth. With a verdigris patina, and elaborately worked overall with an organic texture, this fountain is a unique work of sculpture for the garden or indoors. It runs beautifully and makes a wonderful musical sound. There is a hatch door in the base which houses a pump inside and electrical cord with plug. Very simple to operate. (I am showing it with relatively little water in my shop, but it can be filled to whatever amount is desired.) This fountain was designed to go outdoors, but can go anywhere--an entry foyer, garden room, conservatory, roof deck, among many possibilities. The size and weight are quite manageable and it can be moved fairly easily. This work was a gift of the artist in 1970 and has not been offered for sale publicly until now. Information on the artist (Source: Wikipedia): Aristides Burton Demetrios, also known as "Aris," was born in 1932 and raised in Massachusetts, where he lived during childhood in Gloucester. His father George Demetrios was a classical sculptor, trained by Antoine Bourdelle, a student of Auguste Rodin. His mother, Virginia Lee Burton, was the renowned author and illustrator of children's books, including Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, and The Little House, for which she won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. She was also a textile designer, founding the Folly Cove Designers cooperative. After graduating from Harvard College in 1953, Aris Demetrios served as an officer for three years in the US Navy. He studied art and sculpture at the George Demetrios School from 1956 to 1959 and then at the University of California School of Architecture, in 1959. In 1963, Demetrios won his first national sculpture competition when his proposed design was selected for a major fountain commission on the campus of Stanford University (White Memorial Fountain, or "Mem Claw"). Soon after, he was chosen for a public art commission in Sacramento in front of the County Courthouse. Next he was selected by David and Lucille Packard to design and fabricate a sculpture for the entry to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (Forms Sung In A Kelp Forest). Demetrios successfully completed several monumental public sculptures, including Wind Harp (1967) in South San Francisco; Flame of Freedom, the Bataan War Memorial on the island of Corregidor; the 80' sculpture Cosmos, the fountain Pierine in New York City, Breakthrough, etc.) . Wind Harp (1967) was designed for and installed on a hilltop in a South San Francisco industrial park. Originally it was called Cabot, Cabot and Forbes, after the developers of the industrial park. 92 feet tall and made of open metalwork of rusted steel, it is an aeolian harp, strummed by wind. Since the late 20th century, Demetrios has designed, fabricated and installed a large number of commissioned works for the gardens of private collectors, including several bronze fountains. In addition, he has had several gallery and museum shows featuring his figurative bronze sculptures, such as Trickster; his abstract bronze sculptures, such as The Cube, and his painted or patinated steel sculptures, such as Tomorrow's Dreams. Many of these pieces are held in private collections. In 2002, Demetrios won the "Santa Barbara Beautiful Award" for the most beautiful work of public art. It was given to acknowledge his 18' bronze fountain, Mentors, a centerpiece at Santa Barbara City College, in a site overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Creator:
Aristides (Aris) Demetrios (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 38 in (96.52 cm)Diameter: 27 in (68.58 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Cast,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1970
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Works beautifully and the bronze is in excellent condition.
Seller Location:
Essex, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU837714772911