Heart 16-26: The Alchemy of Feeling and the Transparency of the Soul
With "Heart 16-26," I sought to sculpt the invisible: that vital force, both robust and intangible, that drives us. This heart is not a solid mass; it is a lace network where steel and bronze intertwine to create a poetic anatomy. The emptiness within the structure allows light to pass through the work, symbolizing the clarity of feelings and the necessary fragility of openness to others.
The work of molten metal dripping drop by drop gives this heart an organic and trembling appearance. Steel provides structure and durability, while bronze, with its golden and coppery shades, warms the piece like a rush of blood or a spark of passion. It is a piece from the Intimate range that does not merely decorate a space; it establishes a vibrant presence, a metal totem celebrating love and life in their purest form.
How do the two metals (steel and bronze) interact in this heart? Steel forms the "framework" of the piece, giving it strength. Bronze is fused over the steel to create areas of light and warmth. This duality of metals illustrates human complexity: our ability to be both strong as iron and sensitive as precious bronze.
Why this openwork shape rather than a solid heart? Emptiness is an essential element of my work. A solid heart would be heavy and static. The lace suggests the lightness of breath and emotion. It makes the sculpture dynamic, changing according to the lighting and the angle from which it is viewed.
Is the sculpture fragile because of its many voids? That is the paradox of metal lace. Although it appears delicate, the high-temperature fusion ensures perfect structural solidity. Heart 16-26 is a lasting piece that withstands time without deteriorating.
Is this a unique work? Yes, absolutely. Each heartbeat is different, and so is each sculpture. Since I work freehand without any mold, the steel mesh and bronze splashes of piece 16-26 are unreproducible, making your acquisition a unique piece signed Philippe Buil.
How do I care for this metal heart? The work is protected by a high-quality professional varnish. To preserve the shine of the metals, regular dusting with a soft-bristle brush is enough to clean the lace’s interstices.
