As was characteristic of Sem in the past to understand and discover the potential for the uses of marble, today the studio does much the same. Even though it privileges the development of contemporary art forms, it also has turned its direction towards the arts of antiquity.

















In the last few years the artisans of the studio have returned to that which was the original activity of their forefathers; copies of classical figures, the friezes of the Parthenon and mosaics of Pompeian frescoes. In the words of Keara McMartin, "This activity accomplishes a fundamental function in that it keeps the artisans trained to carve and interpret figurative works; an essential ability requisite for an understanding and capacity to carve all other forms. This skill is judged to be of such importance that the studio does not hesitate, when necessary to organize for its artisans, trips to major museums to see first hand the masterworks they are asked to reproduce. New forms and concepts present a daily challenge to the artisan's self development; not only for their technical skill, but that of discovering the unique language of each artist".