If they have even heard of it then many will only know of St.
Ulrich in South Tyrol as a winter sport location. Yet the town of 4,600
has far more to offer than just steep slopes. For more than 200 years
St. Ulrich was once regarded internationally as the heart of wood
sculpture.
Although these glory days are long past, many sculptors still live and work in St. Ulrich, keeping the tradition alive.
Bruno Walpoth is one of them.
The freelance artist’s studio is not very large, only 22 m2, yet a large window on the roof floods the room with light. Good, natural light from above is essential for his work.
There are tools, sketches and photos scattered throughout the studio, finished sculptures stand on the tables and benches. Wood is an omnipresent theme. It fascinates and motivates him.
As do people: Walpoth’s sculpture focuses on life-sized figures and busts.
“A person or a model always stands at the beginning of a new sculpture. They are often people from among my circle of acquaintances or interesting people whom I discover and talk to on the street”, he explains. Working in his studio, he searches for the right pose and then photographs the model from different perspectives. Following the photos he creates a 1:3 scale clay concept, providing a physical record of the pose.
Walpoth then searches for the right wood which he obtains from timber merchants or local farmers. The 54-year-old has a particular love of lime wood. It is soft, has a neutral color and is thus ideal for sculpting. Walpoth generally prefers wood with little or no grain so that the figure’s skin takes on a natural appearance.
Back in his studio, Walpoth sculpts a rough version of the figure based on the clay concept, first with a chainsaw and then with carving tools and wood rasps.
The real person then serves as the model for the details.
Completing the sculpture to the artist’s satisfaction generally takes 15 to 20 hours. The work takes place in a number of sittings, during which the model must sit absolutely still.
However, the effort is worthwhile. The finished figures and busts are amazingly lifelike. At the same time they are also a step removed from reality and occasionally somewhat melancholy.
“The moment in which the models become lost in their own thoughts and appear ’absent‘ is what interests me the most. This is the moment which I try to express. The melancholy mood occurs on its own. Perhaps it is my own longing for something”, explains Walpoth.
The images created by his photographer, Egon Dejori, reflect this depth. But anyone who has the opportunity should experience Walpoth’s work live. The artist exhibits his sculptures throughout Europe. They are also on display and, naturally, can be purchased in New York.
A lifelike, life-sized figure costs approximately 28,000 euros. At 16,000 euros the busts cost slightly less. The wood sculptor also takes on commissions, although only rarely and then only portraits.
Bruno Walpoth’s skills are a product of his natural talent and passion but also of his long and excellent education and training.
He began his apprenticeship with a master sculptor in the neighboring town of Gröden when he was only 14 years old. He then went on to study sculpture at the Academy of Arts in Munich.
Being accepted into the Academy was a defining moment for Walpoth and recognition of his talent. The sculpture “The Walker”, which he created during this period, remains one of his favorite works.
In 1984 Walpoth was accredited as a master scholar and soon began to teach at a state school for sculptors before moving back to St. Ulrich.
He still lives there today with his wife and his three sons.
However, they do not intend to follow in their father’s footsteps.
Bruno Walpoth takes a relaxed view of their decision. Because ultimately the motivation must come from within.
Despite the long sculpting tradition art cannot be forced – even in St. Ulrich.
Photos: Egon Dejori
Although these glory days are long past, many sculptors still live and work in St. Ulrich, keeping the tradition alive.
Bruno Walpoth is one of them.
The freelance artist’s studio is not very large, only 22 m2, yet a large window on the roof floods the room with light. Good, natural light from above is essential for his work.
There are tools, sketches and photos scattered throughout the studio, finished sculptures stand on the tables and benches. Wood is an omnipresent theme. It fascinates and motivates him.
As do people: Walpoth’s sculpture focuses on life-sized figures and busts.
“A person or a model always stands at the beginning of a new sculpture. They are often people from among my circle of acquaintances or interesting people whom I discover and talk to on the street”, he explains. Working in his studio, he searches for the right pose and then photographs the model from different perspectives. Following the photos he creates a 1:3 scale clay concept, providing a physical record of the pose.
Walpoth then searches for the right wood which he obtains from timber merchants or local farmers. The 54-year-old has a particular love of lime wood. It is soft, has a neutral color and is thus ideal for sculpting. Walpoth generally prefers wood with little or no grain so that the figure’s skin takes on a natural appearance.
Back in his studio, Walpoth sculpts a rough version of the figure based on the clay concept, first with a chainsaw and then with carving tools and wood rasps.
The real person then serves as the model for the details.
Completing the sculpture to the artist’s satisfaction generally takes 15 to 20 hours. The work takes place in a number of sittings, during which the model must sit absolutely still.
However, the effort is worthwhile. The finished figures and busts are amazingly lifelike. At the same time they are also a step removed from reality and occasionally somewhat melancholy.
“The moment in which the models become lost in their own thoughts and appear ’absent‘ is what interests me the most. This is the moment which I try to express. The melancholy mood occurs on its own. Perhaps it is my own longing for something”, explains Walpoth.
The images created by his photographer, Egon Dejori, reflect this depth. But anyone who has the opportunity should experience Walpoth’s work live. The artist exhibits his sculptures throughout Europe. They are also on display and, naturally, can be purchased in New York.
A lifelike, life-sized figure costs approximately 28,000 euros. At 16,000 euros the busts cost slightly less. The wood sculptor also takes on commissions, although only rarely and then only portraits.
Bruno Walpoth’s skills are a product of his natural talent and passion but also of his long and excellent education and training.
He began his apprenticeship with a master sculptor in the neighboring town of Gröden when he was only 14 years old. He then went on to study sculpture at the Academy of Arts in Munich.
Being accepted into the Academy was a defining moment for Walpoth and recognition of his talent. The sculpture “The Walker”, which he created during this period, remains one of his favorite works.
In 1984 Walpoth was accredited as a master scholar and soon began to teach at a state school for sculptors before moving back to St. Ulrich.
He still lives there today with his wife and his three sons.
However, they do not intend to follow in their father’s footsteps.
Bruno Walpoth takes a relaxed view of their decision. Because ultimately the motivation must come from within.
Despite the long sculpting tradition art cannot be forced – even in St. Ulrich.
Photos: Egon Dejori
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