The sculptors’ symposium in Schweinstal took place for the tenth time. The “Skulpturen Rheinland-Pfalz e. V.” association and the Carl Picard natural stone works organized the symposium in Krickenbach from 18 August to 15 September 2013. The five participating sculptors used 48.4 tonnes of sandstone from the quarry of the Picard natural stone works in Schweinstal, 3.5 tonnes of steel plates, 1.5 hundredweights of metal parts and a 2-tonne trunk of a 140-year-old oak from the Kaiserlslautern state forest. Five sculptures were created from these materials:
1. “The Gate” made of sandstone and steel by Matthias Hess from Schöneberg
2. “Continuum” made of steel by Robert Kögel from Dreieich
3. “Zueinander” made of wood by C W Loth from Freiburg
4. “Energy” made of sandstone by Tobel from Valley
5. “Schleierwerk” made of sandstone and steel by Daniel Stern Bad Camberg
The sculptures will form part of the sculpture trail in the Kaiserslautern district, which now comprises 66 large sculptures. After the kick-off event on August 18, 2013 with an exhibition of small sculptures at the Fraunhofer ITWM, the sculptors began their work the next day. Matthias Heuss works on the sandstone until it can finally be moved to the right place. “The Gate” stands opposite the new waterworks in Rodenbach. The two-part sculpture “Schleierwerk” by Daniel Stern was the most technically complex work. It was unveiled in Bann on September 14, 2013, but could only be completed a week later. The sandstone sculpture “Energy” by sculptor Tobel stands next to the large sports ground in Weilerbach.
However, “amateurs” were also able to lend a hand at the sculpture symposium, which has a 27-year tradition. Pupils from Hohenstaufen-Gymnasium and Rittersberg (KL) as well as the school in Weilerbach worked on stones themselves. Visitors were also able to visit the Picard natural stone factory and its quarry on September 1, 2013 and watch the artists at work or talk to them.
A total of around 700 visitors came to the sculpture symposium. They were given an insight into the artistic creative process and the work with the materials stone, steel and wood.
