ABOUT THE ARTIST
Marianne Lerbs is originally from Caracas, Venezuela and currently resides in St. Augustine, Florida. She has a Graphic Design degree from Instituto de Diseno de La Foundacion Neumann, Caracas. She has taught, been a curator, and lectured extensively at universities in Venezuela and Florida. She apprenticed with sculptor Thomas Glover W in St. Augustine. Her works are in both public, private and corporate collections, including the Goethe Institute, Bankers Trust and Banco Latino, Caracas; the Office of the President, Florida Community College, Jacksonville, and the Grand Bohemian Hotel art Collection in Orlando. This her second exhibition in the gallery, is entitled “Whimsicalities: Heads and Pillows.”

IN HER OWN WORDS
When I’m working, and the forms start to appear in the stone, I can see my subconscious suggesting playful ideas.

While I’m conscious of the design process…the curves, angles, shadows and textures…my mind wanders in a roller coaster of things I want to say within the visual composition.

Some of the sculptures portray a more profound meditative state, while others are madness carved in stone…not a bad madness, though! My inspiration often comes from unexpected sources.

I was once told that my face was like an open window, disclosing my thoughts in a very obvious way. I was, also, told that I was a mask maker in another life. There is some degree of serendipity to this as I hide behind my sculptures, letting them do the “talking.”

From the irreverent to the serious, my head and pillows are games for the mind and eyes.