I saw them as they crossed the great lawn of Dumbarton Oaks. A father and son working together in the European tradition of master teaching apprentice. At the time, I was fascinated by their skill and their care of the art, but gardens were my world. Our paths crossed again years later when I was responsible for the restoration of an historic garden and sculptures at the Hillwood Museum. Still only being curious, I accepted an invitation to visit Constantine's studio. Entering his studio, I immediately recognized the wealth of knowledge and was amazed to see bits and pieces of a Master Sculptor's life work. As Constantine handed me a hammer and chisel and told me to “fool around and see what you can do,” I was eager to let the chips fly.
Our relationship started out casually, as I had no idea what the Master's plans were for me. Every week, I would go to the studio -- sometimes only watching for hours; other times working with clay or stone, but at a snail's pace compared with Constantine. Constantine says that we all start out blind, not in a practical sense, but unable to conceptualize in the third dimension. I was eager to learn, and watched, listened, and remembered everything he said and did. But I did not recognize at the time that Constantine was teaching me privately in the classical manner in which all great sculptors have trained for thousands of years.
Constantine taught me that to be a good sculptor requires having more than a single skill. You must first be able to visualize and sketch out your concept on paper. Then,working with clay allows the artist to give form to the ideas. While it is possible, very rarely does an artist simply start carving without a model to guide him.
The months soon turned to years and our relationship has grown. After working with Constantine on several commissions, he turned to me one day and said “Giovanni,” (as he calls me in the studio) “now you can see you are no longer blind.” That told me that he approved of my progress.
After years of carving, studying, and teaching, my career as a sculptor is only just beginning. When I first started, my work reflected my hands but Constantine's eyes. Lately, most of my work is performed alone without the Master's guidance. But as I strive to create original works of art, I still hear Constantine's voice:
“Don't bend the leaves.”
“Cut deeply, you have plenty of stone.”
“Look at the eyes, too high – too low.”
“Push the clay.”
“Shadow, light, dark, space, texture, texture, texture.”
“Don't worry about the hair!”
“Anatomy, bones, muscle.”
“You can't teach talent.”
“Create art, it's forever.”
“Don't leave any junk behind!”