Studio Sem

Frequently Asked Questions

Perchè il vostro sito è solo in inglese?

Perchè il 97% della nostra clientela è straniera e perchè oramai l’inglese è la lingua internazionale.
Siamo comunque molto disposti a rispondere a qualsiasi domanda in italiano visto che siamo tutti italiani escluso la direttrice.

How do I get an estimate to have a sculpture made for me?

A preliminary ball-park estimate can be made based on drawings or photographs with relative dimensions. The measurements are always 3: The height, width and depth of the most external points and then an indication of the type of marble desired for the project.
Several options are available for producing a sculpture ; be it having the studio rough out a work for you to finish yourself, entrusting the studio with the entire process or working together with the finishers here in the Studio for the final phase.
Before the work is begun, all aspects are discussed with you to gain an understanding of what you want from the sculpture and how we can best facilitate those desires.

How do I choose the right marble for a project?

Several factors dictate what stone is best suited for any given sculpture. The environment in which it will be sited many times determines the type of marble. For outdoors in a cold northern climate the choices are few; white Carrara marble or Grey or Turkish white Afyon. Outdoors in a more temperate climate, the above stones and in addition most travertine (red, yellow or beige). Other colours of marble or onyx are made up of oxides to obtain their colour and in an outdoor environment over time will fade in patches and in some cases will deteriorate or crack. For indoors, any marble or onyx would be fine, but it is the form in this case that is the deciding factor in the choice. When the work is fragile, very detailed or carved thin, the best stone is usually statuary marble.

How long does it take to produce a sculpture at say 6 feet (183 cm)?

Anywhere from one to six months. The time needed for execution varies radically with each sculpture and the complexity of carving that is required. Each sculpture estimate is unique for that very reason.

When I commission a large or monumental sculpture to be made for me who will help with the pinning and with the installation?

Studio Sem staff and artisans work together with architects and engineers on any given project to develop anchoring methods and resolve installation difficulties unique to stone. Sometimes on particularly difficult installations, Studio Sem will send a consultant team to work together with the local riggers installing a project.

If I only have drawings and no model is it possible to have a sculpture produced?

In a purely geometric work or one which requires only turning on the lathe a maquette is not necessary. Several detailed drawings in scale are sufficient to execute the work as well as a discussion of where the work will be sited and the type of marble preferred.

How do I request a space to work on my own sculpture at Studio Sem?

We have very few spaces available for artists to work on their own. From time to time we do accept artists for short (approx. 3 months) periods. You must submit a formal request, with photographic examples of your work and either photos or sketches of what you intend to carve on our premises as well as a current CV and a requested time frame. We do not accept artists who require a large space for work larger than
Kg 500 as we have limited aspiration facilities that must be shared by many. Once we receive your application, we will try to get back to you quickly with further questions before making a decision on your application.

How do I get my work shipped to me in another country?

The studio collaborates with highly experienced, professional crate makers who insure that the work; however fragile it may be, is packed in the safest way possible. Studio staff produce all the necessary documents for shipping and arrange to have the work picked up in the studio for delivery anywhere in the world, either by land, sea or air.
We explain the customs procedures for overseas retrieval of the work and insure that the sculptor has all the contact numbers needed for a smooth processing of documentation and retrieval of the work on the other end.

How can I become an apprentice at Studio Sem?

Unfortunately we do not have an apprenticeship program. We hire apprentices only through training programs supported by the local provincial government.

Is it possible to bring groups of students or tourists to visit Studio Sem?

We are very cautious in accepting large groups of students or tourists for safety reasons. We ask that interested tour operators or schools contact Studio Sem directly to make a specific request. In any case we limit the number of tours each month to only 2 or 3 and we limit the group size to a maximum of 15 people.

If I want to have the same work made in both bronze and marble in Pietrasanta, how do I do that?

Some sculptors make or have made the work in marble first and then just before the final finishing have a silicone mold made directly from the marble by one of the mold makers in Pietrasanta.

Is it possible to buy stone blocks from Studio Sem and have them shipped to me?

We frequently supply sculptors with cut blocks of marble. In order to select the appropriate marble we need to have an idea of the project you intend to make from it and preferably have a sketch with dimensions so that small defects or missing corners can be taken into consideration. Cutting blocks on all 6 sides is costly so we try to give you at least one if not two faces uncut. Blocks are palletized and not crated.