Peter Agostini, Resident Artist Lecture 1967

Peter Agostini gives a lecture at Skowhegan talking about his practice as a sculptor, particularly working in bronze, which has been a dream for him. Agostini states how he has always been inspired by Byzantine art, which has been a huge influence in particular on his bronze works. For Agostini, he never has an idea in the moment, but instead works while letting ideas naturally come over time, and in turn going along with those ideas. However, Agostini is not interested in continuing an idea, and once the idea is done, he is finished with it. Agostini states that being a sculptor can be a lonely path, but it is something he is committed to. Agostini believes that all art should be a fantastic growth of someone’s commitment to their vision, without worry about what others have done. Agostini tells the students how–in the United States–they have this beautiful opportunity to be an artist. It requires they apply themselves to their practice and learn how to make a jump. Once that jump is made, everything else will happen. Agostini ends his lecture stating that being an artist is being able to create something beautiful without ever saying a word, being open to transformation, and being so alive in the world to the point that the vitality hurts. Ultimately, where Agostini is now as an artist is a place where he finds he is only at the beginning.