Giraffe
Giraffe is made from pigmented concrete, and weights almost 1000 pounds! Take a close look at its eyes. They are made from hand-blown glass. Notice that if you watch this sculpture for a while, you will see people of all ages and even animals walk up to interact with it as if it were alive. Why do you think this sculpture invites this kind of interaction?
By Solomon Bassoff and Domenica Mottarella
Artists Solomon Bassoff and Domenica Mottarella work together in sculpted, pigmented concrete which they sculpt by hand like clay. They then add steel, tile mosaic, glass and other materials to create unique and whimsical animal characters that are designed to invite exploration and curiosity. They like to convey animals’ emotional characteristics to create a connection between the human and animal world with their unique blend of naturalism and realism.
Together, Bassoff and Mottarella run Faducci Studio, located in the foothills of the California Sierra Nevada. They have created much-loved public artworks In California, Washington, Oklahoma, and Texas. Keep a look out for them, as they are very recognizable. These artworks always look like they are about to tell you a story.
View all sculptures by this artist.Did You Know?
- It’s no secret that giraffes are tall, but on average they are one meter taller than a standard double decker bus, and weigh more than most cars.
- They are the largest pollinator in the world, thanks to their height.
- They have the same exact number of bones in their neck as a human does.
- While they are strictly vegetarian, they will often eat the bones from carcasses to add calcium to their diet.
- A group of giraffes is called a “tower.”
At The Zoo
The Giraffe enclosure at Cameron Park Zoo is a favorite attraction, and currently houses three giraffes; one male and two females. If you catch feeding time, you may see their unique black tongues, which can use to twist and pull leaves in the wild.
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