Crafting timeless motion
- Jorge is a contemporary blacksmith and metal sculptor
- His work is influenced by the art of cartooning
- He recreates iconic models from Uruguay’s transportation heritage
Jorge Rivarola’s welded mini versions of transport vehicles originate from the weathered carcass and rusting metal of stranded ships in the Port of Montevideo. Moved by his grandfather’s example as a smith, he embarked on his same path with a technical degree in metalworking from the University of Labor of Uruguay in 1989. "Metal has been central to my life's work, and my artistic interest in this medium flourished in 2012," Jorge says. From static boats, his creations have evolved to feature iconic means of transport in Uruguay's history, such as tricycles, trains, motorcycles and vintage automobiles. Through his works, which reimagine these giant vehicles as small-scale sculptures, Jorge captivates designers who seek collectables.
Interview
- Where did you find the initial inspiration behind your metal sculptures?
- I lived near the Port of Montevideo. Its stranded boats, which have piled up enough over the years to call the port a graveyard, were a familiar part of the landscape. I found my imagination triggered by their massive silhouettes and the rust of their decaying hulls. My representations are not detailed, but stripped, always maintaining certain basic lines that define an aesthetic.
- What is your earliest recollection of miniature cars?
- I remember a specific Matchbox Volkswagen Beetle, which endured scars and bumps over years of play. I ended up refurbishing it with my mother’s nail enamel, making it my first 'artistic' work with modelled vehicles. My father also built wooden car models as a hobby when he retired.
- Are there any other influences present in your work?
- Sketching is an important part of my creative process, and it is highly influenced by cartooning. This comes from my early love for comic books and master cartoonist teachers I had as a young adult. My designs emerge from a fusion between technical and cartoon drawing.
- What new elements have you introduced to your practice?
- I have introduced motion and the human figure. These elements infuse the piece with magic and life. They create greater engagement and open a broader space for interpretation and storytelling. My expertise in technical, perspective drawing has been key to achieving an effect of depth and speed.
Jorge Rivarola is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1989
Where
Jorge Rivarola
