Richard Bertman ― The Sculptures

Provides a thoughtful and comprehensive account by renowned writer Christina Lanzl, on Bertman's intersection of art and life, sculpture and architecture
Covers Richard Bertman's early works, how he draws the figure 'in space', his kinetic sculptures, wood carvings, and how he infuses his works with comic relief
Includes a full inventory of Bertman's sculptures
Features full-colour photography of Bertman's vivid sculptures, studies, illustrations and sketches
Richard Bertman is a Renaissance man who divides his creative inquiry between his sculpture studio and his architecture practice. Christina Lanzl, PhD, assembled a catalogue raisonné of Richard Bertman's three-dimensional artwork, including a complete inventory of sculptures. The path from line to mass, the kinetic works, the spatial drawings in metal and bent wire, and the smaller group of wood sculptures are described and interpreted while simultaneously imparting the artist's voice in form of individual statements. Considered are form and materiality to shed light on the creative process. Art historical references and precedents provide context and frame of reference for interpretation. An attempt to address the relationship or cross-fertilisation of art and architecture is also made. A separate chapter is devoted to humour because of its pervasive presence in Bertman's artistic oeuvre.

The biography of Richard Bertman, the architect, narrates a remarkable career. In Massachusetts he incorporated Childs Bertman Tseckares - better known by its acronym, CBT Architects - together with two friends who became business partners, Maury Childs and Charles Tseckares. Although the firm instantly began receiving commissions, Bertman complemented his professional practice with teaching engagements at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Boston Architectural College. He served as visiting critic at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology as well as at Tuskegee Institute, and was a member of many national and regional design juries. His architectural honors include Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, the Boston Society of Architects lifetime achievement award as well as the unique designation of being named an 'Honorary Boston Landmark' by the Boston Landmarks Commission for his service to the city in 1996. In 2007 he was one of the first inductees in the newly created New England Design Hall of Fame. CBT, today with offices in Boston and Saudi Arabia, has been the recipient of over 200 design awards over 50 years and employs more than 200 staff members.