Val Bertoia was born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949. In the 1950s, his family moved from California to Pennsylvania, where he has lived and worked ever since.
In the 1960s, Bertoia studied mechanical engineering at Indiana Institute of Technology in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. In 1969, he was awarded “Speaker of the Year” at Indiana Tech. In 1971, he was released from Ft. Dix, New Jersey, from the US Army to return back to Pennsylvania.
Bertoia started working at a farm near his home, and soon afterward, his father, Harry Bertoia, asked him to work at Bertoia Studio with him. He worked with his father from 1972–78. The “sound sculpture” environment, which Harry continued to focus on for 10 years beginning in 1968, is trademarked “Sonambient.” Harry and Val installed large-scale commissioned metal sculptures, and Harry was amazed with his son’s level of precision and engineering abilities and often asked his advice.
In the late 1970s, Harry and Val made Bertoia sound sculptures for distribution worldwide. During those six years, Val worked on his own projects, which included wind-electric systems as derivatives of kinetic sculpture models. Harry was an intuitive engineer, and Val's wind systems, the heights of which reached over 90 feet, were refined by Harry and became well-balanced with a U.S. patent.
In 1978, continuing where Harry left off — and with the encouragement of his mother, Brigitta Bertoia — Val proceeded with the sculpture business of his father's legacy. Val Bertoia sculptures made after November 1978, when Harry died, are numbered, starting with “B-01.”
Find authentic Val Bertoia sculptures and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
Large-Scale Val Bertoia Sonambient 'Sound Screen' Sculpture, Signed and Numbered
By Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A monumental four foot tall Sonambient sound sculpture titled 'Sound Screen' by Val Bertoia, dated 2013 and signed, stamped, and documented by the artist. This large-scale example, n...
Copper, Nickel
Bertoia Sonambient Sculpture Beryllium Rod
By Val Bertoia
Located in Wilmington, DE
Bertoia Sonambient sculpture. Offered is a beautifully unique sculpture by Bertoia studios (Val). Titled "4 Love Clover of Sound". The piece is made of Beryllium Copper...
Brass, Copper
Mid Century Modern Floor Sound Sculpture by Val Bertoia in Copper & Brass
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning sound sculpture made by Val Bertoia. Makes a beautiful chime when played. Comprised of brass and beryllium copper. Gorgeous patina and comes with COA from the Bertoia Studio.
Brass, Copper
$62,500 / set
Val Bertoia Sound Sculptures, 2012
By Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Val Bertoia's pair of Sound Sculptures made in 2012 are part of the Bertoia Sonambient series. The full circle piece is made of 10 ...
Brass, Copper
2021 Val Bertoia Sonambient Wire Sculpture with 12 Brass Rods 9x12x48 Inches
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sonambient Wire Sculpture, created by Val Bertoia. This particular example was produced in 2021. The design features twelve brass rods arranged in a sculptural wire composi...
Brass, Bronze
Val Bertoia Double Vertical Spray Sculpture, Steel Wires with Brass Base, 2014
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Val Bertoia's Double Vertical Spray Sculpture made in 2014. This Kinetic sculpture was made by cutting one grouping of stainless-steel wires that were made by Har...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed b...
Silver, Brass, Copper
Val Bertoia Relaxing Spray Sculpture, 2014
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Val Bertoia's Relaxing Spray Sculpture made in 2014. This kinetic sculpture is made of two groupings of stainless-steel wires that were made by Harry Bertoia (cir...
Steel
Val Bertoia Sonambient Sculpture "Buffalo Shaped Sound"
By Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
"Buffalo Shaped Sound" A kinetic Sonambient sculpture by Val Bertoia composed of 122 Beryllium rods silvered to solid brass mounted on wood stand. The 122 purple tipped beryllium ro...
Brass
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' Copper & Brass Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Silver, Brass, Copper
Large Bertoia Studios 24-Rod 'Star of Sound / B-2482' Copper & Brass Sculpture
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 24-rod 'Star of Sound B-2482' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Silver, Brass, Copper
Val Bertoia Corner Sound Sculpture, 2008
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Val Bertoia's Corner Sound Sculpture made in 2008 is part of the Bertoia Sonambient series. It's made of 11 copper tops silvered to monel rods then silvered to a ...
Brass, Copper
Val Bertoia Mid Century Aluminum Racing Tortoise Sculpture
By Val Bertoia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Val Bertoia Mid Century Aluminum Racing Tortoise Sculpture This sculpture measures: 10.5 wide x 10 deep x 5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a contro...
Aluminum
"Strum to Hum the Boomerang of Sound" Sonambient Sculpture by Val Bertoia
By Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Strum to Hum the Boomerang of Sound" is a sonambient sculpture by Val Bertoia consisting of 50 beryllium copper rods which strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the w...
Brass, Copper
Suspended Brass Gong Titled "Orion" Depicting the Constellation By Val Bertoia
By Val Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
Orion Gong, an early work by Val Bertoia, 24" in diameter. It was constructed of brass with an applied patina. The brass is pierced with a depiction of the constellation of Orion.
Brass
2022 Val Bertoia Sonambient Wire Sculpture with 11 Brass Rods 11x11x49 Inches
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sonambient Wire Sculpture, created by Val Bertoia. This particular example was produced in 2022. The design features eleven brass rods arranged in a sculptural wire composi...
Brass, Bronze
Harry Bertoia Kinetic Spray Sculpture, Steel, Mid-Century Modern
By Harry Bertoia
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This "Spray" sculpture by Harry Bertoia from the 1970s is a stunning kinetic piece. This rare work, approximately 100 cm (39") in diameter and 73 cm (28.7") in height, is made of fin...
Steel
$2,500
H 48.04 in W 7.49 in D 7.49 in
Sonambient Cattails Sound Sculpture in the Manner of Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Vintage Sonambient cattails sound sculpture in the manner of Harry Bertoia circa 1970. It is in great vintage condition with patina throughout, four rows of four copper colored sound...
Metal, Brass
$18,400
H 25 in W 21.5 in D 6 in
"Strum to Hum the Boomerang of Sound" Sonambient Sculpture by Val Bertoia
By Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Strum to Hum the Boomerang of Sound" is a sonambient sculpture by Val Bertoia consisting of 50 beryllium copper rods which strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the w...
Brass, Copper
Curtis Jere Brass Wire "Schooner" Table Top Sculpture with Base, 1976
By Curtis Jeré, Artisan House
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Signed early version C. Jere 1976 Brass Wire Yacht Sculpture, Brass Sailboat Sculpture by Artisan House. Featuring a one piece three dimensional Sloop ...
Brass
$595
H 19.88 in W 12 in D 8 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass & Copper Cattails Curtis Jere Style Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Mid-Century Modern mixed metals sculpture. In the style of Curtis Jere. In soldered brass & copper. In the form of cattails surrounded by lilypads(?). Sim...
Brass, Copper
Harry Bertoia Kinetic Spray Sculpture, Steel, Mid-Century Modern
By Harry Bertoia
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptional kinetic sculpture by Harry Bertoia, created in the 1970s, exemplifying the artist's celebrated exploration of movement, light, and sound. Composed of finely welded st...
Steel
Midcentury Harry Bertoia Sonambient Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury Harry Bertoia Sonambient sculpture featuring seven black monel "cat-tail" tops silvered to beryllium. Copper rods silvered to brass base. In fin...
Brass, Copper
Val Bertoia Corner Sound Sculpture, 2008
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Val Bertoia's Corner Sound Sculpture made in 2008 is part of the Bertoia Sonambient series. It's made of 11 copper tops silvered to monel rods then silvered to a ...
Brass, Copper
$736
H 41.34 in W 11.82 in D 3.55 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass, Copper and Enamel Mobile by Cesar Vasquez
By Cesar
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Hand crafted bronze, brass and enamel wall hanging or mobile by Chilean artist Cesar Vasquez.
Brass, Copper, Enamel
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.5 in W 35 in D 12 in
Large Curtis C Jere Brass Spray Sculpture on Marble Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wayne, NJ
Large Curtis C Jere brass spray sculpture on marble base ribbon forms with rods. Unsigned. many times from cleaning, the signature gets worn off through ...
Marble, Metal
$575Sale Price|50% Off
H 19 in W 6 in D 12 in
Mid-Century Modern Hanging Toucan Sculpture Handcrafted Brass Copper Mexico 1970
By Sergio Bustamante
Located in Toronto, CA
A striking vintage toucan sculpture, handcrafted in Mexico during the 1970s, in the distinctive style of Sergio Bustamante. This life-size bird is beautifully detailed in a mix of co...
Brass, Copper, Metal
Large Willow Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning wire sculpture by Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978). Made of stainless steel in free standing form. Provenance: Purchased directly from the artist by the current owner in ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 17.5 in W 11 in D 7 in
Mid Century Abstract Modern Sound Sculpture by Val Bertoia in Copper & Brass
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning sound sculpture made by Val Bertoia. Makes a beautiful chime when played. Comprised of 39 beryllium copper rods silvered to brass base. Stamped and numbered with COA from ...
Brass, Copper, Silver
Panel Mushroom Sculpture by Val Bertoia
By Val Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
Panel mushroom sculpture, early work by Val Bertoia. Melted bronze shot into panel as mushroom head on heat pressed copper tube stem on bronze shot melted base. Sold with COA. Beauti...
Bronze
Val Bertoia Sound Spray Prototype Sculpture
By Val Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
This sounding spray sculpture was created by artist Val Bertoia in the Harry Bertoia studio. This work consists of approximately 100 beryllium copper rods silvered to brass plate in...
Brass, Copper
Sold
H 50 in W 11 in D 11 in
Large Bertoia Studios 13-Rod 'Move Around Clock of Sound B-2719' Metal Sculpture
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 13-Rod 'Move Around Clock of Sound B-2719' Metal Sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and...
Silver, Brass, Copper
20th Century Val Bertoia Sounding Sculpture 'B2398'
By Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sounding sculpture by Val Bertoia (marked B2398). Made from bronze and brass. United States, 20th century. Dimensions: 51.5"H x 11"W x 11"D.
Brass, Bronze
Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Star of Sounds / B-2369' Brass Sculpture
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Star of Sounds / B-2369' brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Silver, Brass, Copper
Sold
H 42 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
Tall Mid Century Modern Floor Sound Sculpture by Val Bertoia in Copper & Brass
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning tall sound sculpture made by Val Bertoia. Makes a beautiful chime when played. Comprised of brass and beryllium copper. Stamped and numbered with COA from Bertoia Studio.
Brass, Copper
Val Bertoia Sounding Sculpture B2398, 20th Century
By Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Val Bertoia sounding sculpture B2398. Bronze and brass. United States / 20th century.
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Val Bertoia Sounding Sculpture B2390, 20th Century
By Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Val Bertoia sounding sculpture B2390. Bronze and Brass. United States / 20th century.
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Val Bertoia 17 Rod Sonambient Kinetic Sound Sculpture
By Val Bertoia
Located in Buffalo, NY
Val Bertoia Sonambient kinetic sound sculpture, "Statue of Moving Sounds", 17 silicon-bronze rods, in a 3-row design silvered to brass base. “Ce...
Silver, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 37.5 in W 30 in D 7 in
Val Bertoia Linear Four-Row Copper and Brass Sonambient Sculpture, USA 2018
By Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
A great form this sonambient sculpture by Val Bertoia possesses the finest qualities of sound and movement the sculptures are known for. The length of each rod allows for maximum swa...
Brass, Copper
Large Val Bertoia 15-Rod "Curve of Sounding Cat Tails" Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Val Bertoia 15-Rod "Curve of Sounding Cat Tails" sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by the artist and son of the original ...
Silver, Brass, Copper