The Artist’s Story
Predominantly working with the human figure, Morosco works on both large scale and smaller personal pieces. Her works could be described as visceral storytelling. She often uses the human figure as the allegorical vessel. She works predominantly in stone, bronze and mixed media when bidden by the project. Her work is both traditional and contemporary. It is iconic and controversial. She merges personal experiences with sculptural mediums with the ease of speaking one’s own native language. Her works are akin to a three-dimensional journal; she shares select chapters that speak of both universal themes and personal journey.
Alexandra has been carving stone since 1990 where she studied sculpture at the California State University in Northridge, California. She furthered her knowledge of stone and carving over the next ten years while managing a co-operative art studio and gallery, Art City Studios in Ventura, CA. In 2002 she relocated to the Puget Sound, in Washington State, enamored with the solace the Cascadian environment offered. She currently lives on Whidbey Island, Washington and works in The World.
Alexandra has been engaged with educational venues in the form of hands-on teaching, coordinating and production of carving and stone symposiums since 1998 and is the founding director of StoneFest, held in Issaquah, (Seattle) WA.
Currently she is working on a personal series, Evoking Ireland, A sculptural expression of the people, place and landscape of Ireland; a subject of her passion of which has been only strengthened by carving a memorial for Fishermen Lost at Sea on the Aran Islands, in 2013. Morosco also participated as an artist-in-residence at the Aras Eanna/Arts Center on Inis Oírr in the fall of 2014 and returned to Ireland to carve another prominent memorial in 2015.
Highlighted Projects
- The Fisherman’s Memorial An Chloch (The Stone) A collaborative memorial with Karin Sprague, Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, Ireland, Limestone, 2013
- The Dragon Gate A monumental folly in collaboration with George Gonzalez Stonemasons. Round Pond Winery private gardens, Rutheford, CA, Indiana Limestone, 2010
- Bardessono Hotel and Spa sculptures for hotel collection in collaboration with designer-developer Phil Sherburne,Yountville, CA, 2006
- The Quarrier, Champlain Stone Ltd. Warrensburg, NY, Bronze 2005
- St. Edwards Catholic Church Crucifix Dana Point, CA, Life-size Bronze 1999
- St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, processional cross Simi Valley, CA. wood,copper,mixed media, 1998
- Padre Serra Catholic Church monumental central crucifix Camarillo, CA. cast stone, 1996
- Padre Serra Catholic Church, holy sacristy chapel crucifix Camarillo, CA. alabaster, 1995
Trade Cultivation & Experience
- StoneFest Co-Founder and Director, 2005-2014,annually. Hosted by Marenakos Rock Center, Issaquah, Washington; A week-long international educational event for sculptors, masons, dry-stone builders, architects and landscape professionals brings together experts and novices alike to share their passion, skills and insights of the stone trade. www.stonefest.org
- Instructor, 1998-present. Schools, trade symposiums, trade shows and international communities have sought Morosco for her expertise in stone sculpture and tools of the trades. Morosco has participated in over 50 of these events, offering hands-on field assistance and training, including at StoneFest, the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association, the Indiana Limestone Symposium, The Marble Institute of Colorado, SW Stoneworks of New Mexico, and the California Sculptors Symposium.
- Pronto Tools for Sculpture, Sole Proprietor, 1998-2002. Based in Ventura, CA this retail establishment provided access to quality tools for artisans in the stone sculpture and masonry fields.
- Art City Studios, Manager, Stone Supply and Gallery, 1993-1997. Morosco managed the marketing, sales, and production of all exhibits in this non profit artist’s union. Additionally, she managed purchasing, imports and distribution of international and domestic stone.
Community Building
- Professional Member, Building Stone Institute, a nationally recognized non profit organization connecting the natural stone industry since 1919.
- Member, The Stone Foundation, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, whose mission is to honor stone and stonework and stone art.
- Member, Dry Stone Walling Association of Ireland, an all-volunteer non-profit dedicated to promoting an awareness of the craft of dry stone building in Ireland.
- Past BOD Member & Editorial Committee Member, Building Stone Magazine, the trusted source of natural stone information for architects, landscape architects, interior designers and consumers alike.
- Past Director, StoneFest at Marenakos Rock Center and related Leadership Forums.
Education
- California State University, Northridge, Bachelor of Arts, Emphasis in Sculpture, 1992.
- Mary Ward Educational Centre, London, England, 1989.
- University of London, England Arts & Humanities, 1989/1990.
- Chaminade College Preparatory Catholic High School, West Hills, CA, 1986.
© Alexandra Morosco
