MARTY GOLDSTEIN
At the age of 62 Marty Goldstein retired
from the corporate world and began taking numerous sculpting classes
near his Southern California home. Due to his extraordinary talent and
enthusiasm, he soon mastered this arduous medium and began a series
of whimsical bronze "Harvey Dogs." What started as a hobby
turned into a successful artistic career. Over the next two decades,
Marty created an inspiring collection of over 130 limited edition bronze
sculptures. As a child he was passionate about animals, and dogs in
particular, thus they always remained his favorite subject matter. The
pieces, with their exaggerated bodies and postures, are crafted to evoke
smiles, bringing joy to collectors around the world.
Goldstein’s main goal is to make others smile, so it was fitting
that his sculptures became a part of a national movement to integrate
the power of the arts with the healing process. In order to enhance
patient care and help speed recovery, several medical institutions across
the country are creating collections using Marty's artworks. The charming
sculptures transform usual hospital settings into restorative and calming
environments, bringing joy and hope to patients, visitors and staff.
In the Renown Children’s Hospital in Reno, Nevada, 10 of his dogs
are on display in the children’s emergency room. "The bronze
dogs help ease the stress of the young patients" - Phyllis Freyer,
Vice President, Renown Hospital. A large instillation can also be found
in Santa Barbara’s Cottage Hospital.
Goldstein’s dog sculptures are now also a part of several national
collections including The Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in New York,
which hosts a replica of FDR’s dog, Fala.
Goldstein begins his sculpting process by mounting an Armature, a skeleton
of the sculpture to a wooden base, and then applying softened clay.
Once he has a full scale clay model, he casts the piece in bronze using
the extensive lost wax process at a foundry. Marty finishes the process
by creating custom patinas for each piece. Marty can spend several months
sculpting a single dog. Goldstein says that during the molding process,
the first laugh is the litmus test to know he’s on the right track.
Artist statement: Whimsical dogs remind me that life sometimes gets
too serious and that we need a release. Funny looking dogs do that for
me .- Marty Goldstein
Marty and Mackabie with Lola
© 2023 GALLERY 444, SAN FRANCISCO