ASA to Host Three-Part Webinar Series on the Designs and Works of Harry Bertoia

Join ASA as we explore the work of Harry Bertoia, a metal worker ahead of his time. Get a close up and inside look at his sensual and sculptural chairs, his jewelry (best described as sculpture one can wear!), and a range of his sculpting and casting techniques — from welded to spill-cast to hand-shaped — all curated from the unique perspective of the artist’s daughter, Celia Bertoia, an ASA accredited appraiser.

Celia Bertoia grew up in Pennsylvania, spent decades in Boulder, Colorado in the real estate market, then owned a race timing company in Bozeman, Montana. Celia is currently the founder and director of the Harry Bertoia Foundation, a 501 (c)(3), anchored in St George, Utah. She authored the Life and Work of Harry Bertoia: the Man, the Artist, the Visionary (Schiffer, 2015). She is also an accredited appraiser with ASA, specializing in post-war art. Her passion is to further the legacy of Harry Bertoia.

Ms. Bertoia agreed to answer a few questions about this exciting webinar series.

Q: What are your earliest memories of your father as an artist?
A: When I was a little girl, about 8 years old, we embarked on a summer walk to the shop which was over 3 miles away. It was a long distance so seemed like a great adventure. When my mother, sister and brother and I arrived, my father stopped what he was doing to show us around. I remember the huge bronze fountain piece he was working on for the Philadelphia Civic Center. It was outside behind the shop with scaffolding around it to get to the tall parts. It looked sort of like a big monster, but a friendly monster. The way my Dad talked about it, I knew instinctively (although could not have put it to words at the time) that he loved his work and was proud of it. I thought that was pretty cool. A few months later we visited the sculpture in the city, and I realized he must be an important artist to have such a huge sculpture in Philadelphia.

Q: Do you have any favorites of you father’s works?
A: I love the bushes, partly because there are so many varieties and also because they remind me of the plantings on the country estate where I grew up. Anyone from children to grandparents, PhD candidates to junior high graduates, welders to waitresses, can appreciate the forms that resembles nature’s bushes. The small dense gilt bushes are especially beautiful. One of the first sculpture donations to the Foundation was a gold-plated bush gifted from my sister-in-law who had received it from Harry on her first wedding anniversary. They divorced; thus, we were the lucky recipients. I can see it from my desk and treasure its presence in the gallery.

Q: What was it like preparing your book The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia: The Man, the Artist, the Visionary?
A: Interestingly enough, a psychic woman once told me that I would be writing a book with lots of pictures, in a large coffee table format. I thought she was nuts. Yet, ten years later I discovered she was correct! I had just started the foundation to further my father’s legacy and knew that I needed to record my memories in a book dedicated to my Dad. I spent about a year interviewing people, gathering data, and then another six months putting it in order, plus another few months of formatting and finishing. There were days when I could barely type fast enough to get my thoughts down and then other days when I spent half a day on two paragraphs. I learned so much about my father, such as how much his architects and the Knoll furniture dealers loved him! Writing the book was a revelation as well as labor of love.

Q: Did your father’s occupation influence or play a role in yours?
A: I had many mini-careers before delving into the art world; real estate broker, event manager, road race timer. During my father’s lifetime, I was the least likely contender to take on this role of being the Bertoia touchstone, as I was a family outlier. As I grew older and saw my remaining years dwindling, I realized that I was the right one to carry the torch for Harry Bertoia. His integrity, passion, love and strength – expressed through his work and in everything that he did – eventually inspired me to take on the mission of educating others about him. Looking back on it, he taught me how to live, how to follow a dream, and how to always say yes! So, definitely, his work and his life very much affected my life and eventual decision to start the foundation. He is with me every day.

Q: As an art educator, promoter and fine art appraiser, what is it like researching, handling and valuing Bertoia art?
A: Every day is a gift! I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. I love my work and look forward to coming into the office every day. My various duties are so much fun – researcher, speaker, crate packer, gallery guide – that it all feels wonderful. Of course, there are challenges. Finding comparable sold properties for unusual pieces for an appraisal, or figuring out how to pack a delicate wire form, or choosing how to respond to an angry client, but as long as I keep the mission in mind it all works out. I continue to learn about new pieces and new techniques, which always surprises me. I had some neurological tests done recently (nothing serious) and the practitioner asked me how I felt when I first awakened in the morning. When I told him that I literally poked my head outside and said, “Another day in paradise!” He didn’t believe me but it’s true. When I leave the gallery, part of my closing tradition is to touch the gong or singing bars and say good bye to Harry for the evening.

Q: Coming this May in ASA’s upcoming 3-part webinar series you’ll be providing a special window into the works of Harry Bertoia. Can you share any advanced teasers on what viewers can expert?
A: One of the benefits of COVID and Zoom is that we all are privileged to remain in our own space. That means that the participants will have a chance to view the original pieces here at the gallery that pertain to our topic of the day. We have some gorgeous silver jewelry, and you will be able to see the actual hammer marks and movement of the items. Furniture fans will be pleased to see our latest acquisition, a Bertoia for Knoll asymmetric chaise lounge. And I can show you where the Knoll stamp is located on the authentic chairs. The webinar will contain plenty of factual and historical data, but we will make time for a few stories from my years of growing up with Harry. You will definitely know much more about Harry Bertoia’s work when we are finished!

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For more on Harry Bertoia, visit https://harrybertoia.org/.

Ready to register? PP152-WEB – Harry Bertoia Furniture History and Identification, PP153-WEB – Harry Bertoia Jewelry, and PP154-WEB – Harry Bertoia Sculpture: Monumental, Sounding & Bronzes.

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