PETER CROMPTON & ROBYN SPENCER-CROMPTON
NEREIDS
There is a famous Classical Monument from Turkey that features many of these sea nymphs with elaborately sculpted drapery blown by the winds. The prototypes of these sculptures were used in an opera set for“La Traviata” that I designed.
Concrete
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| ZEUS Usually known as the leader of the Greek pantheon. We were interested in the contrast between the regal font of the mask and the more personal interior surface. The back of the sculpture has his name and attributes: “Protector of Strangers”, “Keeper of Oaths”, and the phrase “Peter made me” in ancient Greek text. Also inscribed are his symbols such as the eagle, Greek lighting bolt, and the astronomical sign for Jupiter. Greek myth says he gave birth to Athena through his forehead, so we thought it appropriate to break the sculpture there. Concrete with mosaic. |
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| Robyn Spencer-Crompton and Peter Crompton are well known as a creative husband and wife team that collaborate on many projects. Peter specializes in the sculptural form and Robyn in mosaic surface design. Together, they have created a garden full of surreal sculptural works. When their family moved to Bennett Valley 13 years ago, they started putting parts of stage sets that Peter had designed in their rambling garden. Over the years they have added more sculpture, including mosaics by Robyn. When planning a project they first brainstorm, which leads to research, then moves on to Peter fabricating the sculptural base. Together they cover the form with fiberglass mesh and concrete with polymer additives. At this point they decide on the surface that speaks best for the piece. If it will be a textured concrete work, Peter takes charge, or if it is to be a mosaic surface, Robyn completes it. |
For years they have been interested in world mythologies, and the symbolic possibilities of the human figure. They see myth as a way to combine a sense of formal beauty and metaphorical power. Because their works are often over-life-size, they have a theatrical impact. This is not surprising since Peter also designs stage scenery throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Currently, they work in concrete. It can be a solid as rock, as liquid as water, and even putty. It can be stained and colored, and it has been used for over 6000 years. |
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