Richard Rhodes

Jul 17

Stonework & Photography

Domicile Gallery

Exhibition

On view is Lithic Altar, a monumental sculptural stone table by Seattle-based artist Richard Rhodes, which first debuted at Burning Man in 2017. Crafted from two ancient stone slabs—estimated to be 900 years old and salvaged from the worn steps of a temple—the tabletop bears the graceful patina of centuries of footsteps. Weighing 4,300 pounds (just over two tons) and seating up to twelve, Lithic Altars is both a functional gathering space and a powerful evocation of time, ritual, and craft.

The exhibition also features a selection of Rhodes’ photography from his new book, Stone: Ancient Practice to Modern Mastery. Copies of the book will be available for purchase in the gallery.

Richard Rhodes is a sculptor, stonemason, entrepreneur, and scholar of stonework based in Seattle, Washington. After graduate studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he apprenticed in Siena, Italy, becoming the first non-Italian in 726 years to be admitted into Siena’s ancient masonic guild—earning him the title “the last apprentice.” It was there he encountered the Sacred Geometries and Sacred Rules of Bondwork, foundational principles in the 4,000-year tradition of stone expression that continue to shape his sculptural practice.

A nationally recognized lecturer and educator, Rhodes has presented at the national conventions of the American Institute of Architects and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, as well as at the Institute of Classical Architecture in New York and San Francisco, the Building Stone Institute, and numerous universities.

Domicile Gallery + Design
4116 East Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112

Artist website

Exhibition

RICHARD RHODES

A Seattle, Washington-based sculptor, stonemason, entrepreneur, and scholar of stonework world-wide, Richard Rhodes apprenticed as a stonemason in Siena, Italy after graduate studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. As the first non-Italian admitted into Siena’s ancient masonic guild in 726 years, he is known throughout the sculpture and stone community as the “last apprentice.” It was during his guild training that he first encountered the Sacred Geometries and the Sacred Rules of Bondwork, foundational knowledge from the 4,000-year tradition of stone expression. Though now branching into other media such as cast bronze, Rhodes credits his guild training as the major influence in his sculptural practice.

A nationally acclaimed lecturer and educator, Richard has twice addressed the national conventions of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. He has also delivered a five-lecture educational series to the Institute of Classical Architecture in both New York and San Francisco, and lectured to the Building Stone Institute and many public and private universities.